Where Things Stand With Cardinals, Willson Contreras

"The Cardinals continue to explore the market for Willson Contreras, which could see more action with Pete Alonso off the board," Woo wrote. "Contreras, who is signed through 2027 with a club option for 2028, privately expressed to the organization his willingness to waive his full no-trade clause for the right fit. Though the Mets did inquire about Contreras, their interest was secondary — and that sentiment was affirmed by their signing of Polanco to a two-year, $40 million deal Saturday.

"The Red Sox have significant interest in Contreras, and the clubs have plenty of familiarity with each other. No deal is close, per a team source, but the connection is worth monitoring over the next several days."

Throughout the winter meetings, Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol spoke about Contreras with rumors growing.

"Willson's been clear about he loves being here in St. Louis," Marmol said on "Foul Territory" of Contreras. "And he loves the group and being a part of building this group up to get to where we want to get to but at the same time it's going to have to make sense more so not only for him, but for his family. He's the type of guy that you can have these conversations with. He's very upfront. He loves where he's at. He loves the situation in St. Louis. He feels at home, but at the same time if it makes sense, then it's a conversation. So, we'll kind of see, where that leads."

Contreras publicly spoke about not wanting to be traded last offseason, ahead of the 2025 trade deadline, and even made the point known after the season ended. While being open to the idea of a trade, doesn't guarantee a move, it does appear as though the chances are higher now. But even though the Red Sox, for example, are interested. Is Contreras interested in Boston? With his no-trade clause, that's really what matters.