Willson Contreras won't waive no-trade clause as Red Sox continue playoff push

The MLB trade deadline is looming, but after winning nine straight games and climbing to within a half-game of the final American League Wild Card spot, the Red Sox appear to be shifting into buyer mode.

Had Boston continued to slide, several veterans would have been attractive trade chips for contenders around the league. One of them, however, has already taken himself off the market.

Speaking with reporters at the All-Star Game in Philadelphia, first baseman Willson Contreras said he has already told the Red Sox front office he has no intention of waiving his no-trade clause because he wants to remain in Boston.

“I like it here. I like Boston,” Contreras said. “I think it’s a great place to play. It’s not easy to get traded again, so I think I found my family.”

Acquired from St. Louis over the offseason, Contreras has quickly become the centerpiece of Boston’s lineup. When the Sox and Cardinals agreed to a trade last December, he quickly said yes to make Fenway Park home. 

“I didn’t hesitate,” Contreras recalled. “I was like, ‘Give me two minutes’ and I called back. I went through the roster, went through their whole system and it was good. I spoke to a few players and I was like, ‘I’m gonna waive my no-trade clause.’ Boston is a really great organization historically. When I grew up, I used to watch Manny Ramírez a lot, David Ortiz, Tim Wakefield, Curt Schilling. It’s amazing just to be there and play on the field (where) they played.”

The 34-year-old is enjoying a career year, batting .285 with 20 home runs, 61 RBIs and a .921 OPS, all of which are on pace to shatter his previous career highs.

“I mean, I like Boston,” he said to reporters in Philadelphia. “I don’t want to just leave because of the situation. I like challenges, I like the team, I love my guys and I love the teammates. They’re great persons, great people. That’s what I appreciate the most. Every day they show up to the clubhouse, they’re willing to listen and they’re willing to learn. That’s why I went ahead and said something.

“We’re playing good,” he added. “We finished the first half strong and we’re looking to keep the same pace. Of course, it might not happen but our mindset is to win. If we’re gonna add or sell, that’s a front office question.”

Trading Contreras would leave a massive hole both offensively and defensively. Boston has no obvious long-term replacement at first base. Triston Casas has missed the entire season while recovering from patellar surgery and has also dealt with wrist and rib setbacks during his rehab.

More importantly, Contreras has been the club’s most consistent offensive force. During Boston’s inconsistent first half, he repeatedly delivered clutch hits and standout defense at first base, helping keep the Red Sox within striking distance of the postseason. Now, after winning 11 of their last 13 games, Boston has climbed back into the heart of the American League Wild Card race.

Asked whether Boston has become what he envisioned when he approved the trade from St. Louis, Contreras admitted he entered the season with few expectations.

“To be honest, I wasn’t expecting anything,” Contreras said. “I was just like, ‘Let’s wait and see how that goes,’ because I didn’t want to fill my head with a lot of expectations. But now that I’m here, I love it. We’ll see what happens in the next few years, but I’ll stay here for sure.”

Contreras also showcased his power during Monday night’s Home Run Derby, advancing to the semifinals before falling 9-8 to former Cubs teammate Kyle Schwarber under the event’s new untimed format.

He tied eventual champion Jordan Walker for the first-round lead with 13 home runs, highlighted by a 490-foot blast that left his bat at 115 mph. Contreras added eight more home runs in the semifinals, finishing the night with 21 long balls totaling 1.76 miles.

If Tuesday night’s All-Star Game goes to a swing-off, Contreras will be one of three American League hitters selected to participate alongside White Sox slugger Munetaka Murakami and Mariners outfielder Randy Arozarena.

The National League’s trio features Walker, Nationals outfielder James Wood and Rockies catcher Hunter Goodman.

Red Sox Add Right-Handed Depth

The Red Sox made a minor trade just hours before Tuesday night’s MLB All-Star Game, acquiring outfielder Jahmai Jones from the Tigers for a player to be named later, according to The Boston Globe’s Alex Speier.

Jones, who was recently designated for assignment by Detroit, will be added to Boston’s 40-man roster. Because he is out of minor league options, he must be on the active roster when the Red Sox return from the All-Star break Friday for a doubleheader against the Rays.

The 28-year-old former Angels top prospect has appeared in 198 major league games over six seasons with the Angels, Orioles, Brewers, Yankees and Tigers.

He enjoyed a breakout season in 2025, batting .287 with seven home runs, 11 doubles and a .937 OPS across 72 games for Detroit, but struggled offensively this year, hitting .137 with two home runs, a .440 OPS and 35 strikeouts in 57 games (23 starts).

A right-handed hitter, Jones owns a .742 career OPS against left-handed pitching, giving Boston another platoon option. While he has spent most of this season serving as Detroit’s designated hitter, he also has experience at both corner outfield spots, second base and limited time at third base.

Jones will fill the role Nate Eaton occupied as Boston’s right-handed option against left-handed pitching. With Wilyer Abreu and Ceddanne Rafaela locked into everyday roles and Jarren Duran hitting just .152 with a .460 OPS and 47 strikeouts over his last 34 games, the Red Sox have increasingly reduced Duran’s playing time against left-handed pitching.

Eaton, 29, appeared in 14 games for Boston this season and recently served a two-game suspension for his role in the Contreras-Cade Cavalli benches-clearing incident at Fenway Park before the All-Star break. At Triple-A Worcester, he batted .283 (51-for-180) in 48 games while providing defensive versatility.

Boston had an open spot on its 40-man roster after designating veteran left-hander Danny Coulombe for assignment following Sunday’s victory over the Mets.