St. Louis Cardinals focus on youth as veteran Contreras faces uncertain future
As the St. Louis Cardinals prepare for another postseason absence, their gaze has shifted firmly toward the 2026 season. The organization’s front office is signaling a commitment to a youth-driven strategy, suggesting a future less reliant on veteran talent. This shift raises the likelihood of several prominent players departing St. Louis, including some familiar faces.
Potential Departures in the Offseason
Among the veterans likely to be on the move, Nolan Arenado stands out. The seasoned third baseman has made it clear he wishes to conclude his career with a team poised for success. Similarly, pitcher Sonny Gray, the club’s ace, may consider waiving his no-trade clause in pursuit of October baseball elsewhere. Meanwhile, Miles Mikolas, who previously wielded a no-trade clause, is set to enter free agency.
This evolving landscape leaves one notable veteran still under contract with trade protections: Willson Contreras. The question now looms: will Contreras, who inked a five-year deal with the Cardinals before the 2023 season, become the next veteran to exit the organization? While there have been no indications that Contreras is seeking a trade, the Cardinals’ pivot to younger talent complicates his standing with the team.
Contreras’ Transition and Rising Competition
Initially, Contreras was a fixture behind the plate for St. Louis, but he has since transitioned primarily to first base. However, that position is becoming increasingly crowded. Alec Burleson has shown significant improvement at the major league level, and the recently acquired prospect Blaze Jordan is poised to push for a roster spot in the near future.
The situation behind the plate is equally dynamic. St. Louis boasts an influx of promising young catchers, including Jimmy Crooks, Leandro Bernal, and Raniel Rodriguez, while Ivan Herrera has already made his mark in the majors. Herrera’s emergence highlights a clear logjam; despite playing in 31 fewer games and having 122 fewer plate appearances this season, he nearly matched Contreras’ offensive output, trailing by only one home run and 14 RBIs. Furthermore, Herrera outperformed Contreras in several key offensive categories, including batting average, on-base percentage, slugging, and OPS, while also offering greater defensive flexibility.
A Fork in the Road for Contreras
Should Arenado and Gray depart this winter, Contreras will face a pivotal decision: remain in the midst of a rebuilding phase or pursue a trade to join a contender. For the Cardinals, moving Contreras could facilitate full-time roles for Herrera or Burleson at their natural positions, aligning with the ongoing youth movement that is already reshaping the roster.
As the Cardinals chart their course for the future, the fate of Willson Contreras remains uncertain, encapsulating the broader challenges and opportunities facing a franchise intent on revitalization.
