The Purple Sox have lastly landed their first bat of the offseason.
In line with a number of stories, the Purple Sox have acquired first baseman Willson Contreras from the St. Louis Cardinals in change for right-hander Hunter Dobbins and pitching prospects Yhoiker Fajardo and Blake Aita.
ESPN’s Jeff Passan was first to report information of the deal, in addition to the actual fact Boston will obtain $8 million in money to assist cowl the remaining $41.5 million in wage owed to Contreras.
Contreras, 33, is a three-time All-Star who has been a extremely regarded hitter all through his 10-year MLB profession. This previous season Contreras batted .257 with 20 dwelling runs, 80 RBI, a .791 OPS and a pair of.5 wins above substitute, and for his profession he’s averaged 26 dwelling runs per 162 video games with a .811 OPS.
Initially a catcher, Contreras was a member of the historic 2016 Chicago Cubs membership that broke the franchise’s 108-year championship drought. He has spent the final three seasons with the Cardinals after signing a five-year, $87.5 million deal as a free agent previous to the 2023 season, throughout which period he’s transitioned from catcher to first base.
He’s confirmed adept at his new place. In line with Statcast, Contreras ranked 77th percentile in Fielding Run Worth and 91st percentile in vary this previous season.
Contreras figures to supply a direct enhance to the Purple Sox offense.
A right-handed hitter, Contreras’ presence will assist stability the membership’s lefty-heavy lineup. He additionally figures to fit in because the Opening Day first baseman, guaranteeing the membership received’t be caught if Triston Casas isn’t totally recovered from his season-ending knee damage by the beginning of the season.
Contreras has not caught since 2024, however he may probably be an choice at that place too alongside Carlos Narvaez and Connor Wong.
Dobbins, 26, loved a promising rookie season for the Purple Sox final season, posting a 4.13 ERA in 61 innings over 13 appearances, 11 of these begins. Dobbins’ season got here to an abrupt finish when he suffered a torn ACL on July 11, although the right-hander is predicted to be prepared in time for the beginning of the season.
Had he caught round, Dobbins would have been amongst quite a few candidates for the final spot within the Purple Sox rotation. Boston nonetheless has a crowded pool of depth arms remaining, together with Patrick Sandoval, Kutter Crawford, Johan Oviedo, Connelly Early, Payton Tolle and Kyle Harrison, amongst others.
Fajardo, 19, was acquired final winter in change for lefty Cam Booser and emerged as one of many breakout pitching prospects within the Purple Sox system this 12 months. Fajardo posted a 2.25 ERA in 19 outings and ranked because the No. 9 prospect within the Purple Sox system, in keeping with Baseball America.
Aita, 22, was Boston’s sixth-round decide within the 2024 MLB Draft. He posted a 3.98 ERA in 23 appearances break up between Low-A and Excessive-A in his first full skilled season.
