Willson Contreras Makes Request to Cardinals Before MLB Trade Deadline

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin Groe | Last updated Jul 29, 2025 6:57 PM ET

First baseman Willson Contreras is in his third season with the St. Louis Cardinals after signing a five-year, $87.5 million deal, which includes a club option for a sixth year, in December 2022.

The 33 year-old star made his debut for the Chicago Cubs as a catcher in 2016, before transitioning to first base with the Cardinals in 2025 to preserve his health and longevity as he approaches the later stages of his career.

Contreras has been a formidable offensive threat since his call-up and has earned three All-Star selections over his ten-year career, solidifying his reputation as a consistent run producer. In 1,045 career games, he has hit .258 with an .812 OPS, 166 home runs and 529 RBIs.

As the trade deadline approaches on Thursday, Contreras’s name has surfaced in rumors alongside other key Cardinals amid St. Louis’s 55–53 record and fading playoff hopes since the All-Star Break, intensifying fan questions about roster moves.

Before Tuesday’s game against the Miami Marlins, Contreras reiterated his desire to stay in St. Louis with John Mozeliak (President of Baseball Operations), saying he’s happy with the organization and already feels fulfilled after winning a World Series title with the Cubs in 2016.

Willson Contreras said he met recently with #STLCards POBO John Mozeliak and reiterated his desire to stay in St. Louis.

Contreras said on top of being happy with the Cardinals, he has already won a World Series ring and doesn’t want to join a contender to chase another one.
— John Denton (@JohnDenton555) July 29, 2025

In 102 games this year, Contreras is batting .259 with a .793 OPS, 14 home runs and 61 RBIs.

He is on pace to set a new single-season high for games played, needing to appear in just 37 of the remaining 54 games to surpass his career record of 138.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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