Willson Contreras ended his own trade rumors Tuesday. Speaking ahead of the All-Star Game, the Red Sox first baseman told reporters he has informed Boston’s front office that he will not waive his no-trade clause at the deadline, per NBC Sports Boston.
“I said, 'I would trade something to stay here,'” Contreras said. “I like it here, I like Boston. It's a great place to play. And it's not easy to get traded again, so I think I've found my family here.”
The detail that gives the statement teeth: Contreras' contract pays him an additional $1 million if he waives the clause, and he is declining the money. His full no-trade protection lapses after this season, so this summer was the one window where the decision belonged entirely to him — and he used it to take himself off the market before the front office ever had to ask. MLB.com had already reported he was unlikely to approve a deal; Tuesday he made it explicit, and public.
The declaration lands differently than it would have a month ago. Boston's 14-2 surge has pulled the club within a half-game of the final AL wild card and quieted deadline chatter around Contreras, Aroldis Chapman and Sonny Gray. In the first season of a five-year, $87.5 million contract, Contreras is betting the turnaround is real — and making sure nobody in the front office can bet otherwise with his roster spot.
