The St. Louis Cardinals approached the trade deadline cautiously, moving only three expiring relievers. While they picked up some prospects in return, the deals weren’t significant enough to reshape the team’s future. Critics argue the Cardinals missed opportunities that could have accelerated their rebuild.
FanSided’s Christopher Kline highlighted that not trading Willson Contreras was the organization’s biggest mistake. He noted that, unlike Nolan Arenado and Sonny Gray—who both hold no-trade clauses—Contreras did not, which should have made him easier to move. The 33-year-old catcher is signed through 2027, with a club option for 2028, but his performance has declined relative to his contract.
Despite his fiery personality, recently on display during an ejection against the Pittsburgh Pirates, Contreras might have been a logical candidate to trade. However, reports indicate he holds a no-trade clause and has expressed no willingness to waive it. This leaves the Cardinals with few options other than keeping him, as releasing him would be costly and unlikely.
With John Mozeliak making his final moves as president of baseball operations, many observers felt he played it too safe. By only dealing short-term pieces like Steven Matz and Ryan Helsley, the Cardinals avoided difficult decisions about their long-term financial commitments, but at the expense of reshaping the roster.
As the franchise faces mounting questions about its future direction, Contreras remains at the center of the conversation—symbolizing both the team’s struggles and its hesitancy to take bold steps at a critical juncture.
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