ST. LOUIS — Breaking news: As the Cardinals prepare for a turbulent 2026 season, the future of Willson Contreras is in the spotlight. Will he stick around or leave in a volatile offseason?
Current status — season ended by injury
According to Reuters, Contreras suffered a minor shoulder injury and was forced to miss the rest of the 2025 season after testing revealed a mild shoulder strain. He left the field with a right biceps strain against the Cincinnati Reds.
This season, Contreras played in 135 games, recording a .257 AVG, 20 home runs and 80 RBI, setting career highs in runs batted in at his new home in his regular role at first base.
Hints of Innuendo
Contreras recently made a notable statement about his future with the Cardinals: “I’d like to be part of a young team that needs to have some kind of experience around them … I understand the part of the business … but as of right now, I would just like to be part of the process.”
Meanwhile, according to Sports Illustrated, Contreras asserted that he wants to “stay” in St. Louis but is also willing to “listen” if a reasonable offer comes along: “I would like to be part of the process … But if a trade comes that makes sense for me and my future … we’ll talk.”
Relationship with the new management
A conversation between Contreras and new baseball power Chaim Bloom is rumored to have “opened the door” for Contreras to consider leaving the team if a reasonable offer comes along.
Contreras’ contract is still very much in place, though: he signed a five-year, $87.5 million deal with the Cardinals in 2022, which will run for the following years.
What are the Cardinals’ options?
The Cardinals have three players on non-arbitration contracts: Contreras, Nolan Arenado, and Sonny Gray. If all three leave, the team will face a huge loss of experience in the lineup.
Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol praised Contreras as a fighter, regardless of success or failure: “He’s going to give you everything he’s got… I enjoy the fact that he likes being here.”
However, if the team is willing to make a bigger profit through a trade, the possibility of Contreras leaving is also possible, especially if he agrees to the deal.
Possible scenarios
Stay in St. Louis Louis: Contreras continues to mentor the younger players, using his experience to guide the younger players.
Mid-Winter Trade: If a team makes a compelling offer, Contreras could agree to leave the team to find a more competitive opportunity.
Contract Renewal or Early Exit: A new deal or other solution is possible if both sides find common ground.
So far, there has been no official confirmation from the Cardinals or Contreras. But with all the talk, injuries, and current contracts — the question of “Will Willson Contreras stay with the Cardinals?” is emerging as a tragic story — or a trade shock that St. Louis fans can’t afford to miss.
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