The Boston Red Sox had a busy trade deadline, acquiring multiple pieces as they gear up for a playoff push. Their biggest move of the year, though, happened before the season even started, when they acquired former St. Louis Cardinalsfirst baseman Willson Contreras without giving up too much prospect capital for the aging veteran.
The trade has worked out far better than expected. Not only has Contreras stayed healthy, but he has been one of the best hitters in the league, showing no signs of regression in his age-34 season.
Across 105 games, he has posted a .288 batting average, .395 on-base percentage, .936 OPS, 23 home runs and 70 RBIs, earning his first All-Star selection since 2022 for his first-half performance.
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Contreras has been out of Boston's lineup for two straight games now while dealing with an illness.
He exited Wednesday's matchup against the Chicago White Sox early and has not appeared since, sitting out again for Friday's series opener against the Athletics. Nick Sogard has stepped in at first base in his absence.
Fortunately, he is making progress physically and may return to the lineup soon. Speaking with reporters during pregame, manager Chad Tracy revealed an encouraging update.
"He's here today, a lot of improvement in symptoms so for today he's going to move around, get some activity going, he can rehydrate, get some food in him, do things like that, let him get some activity going. Definitely doing better, not all the way there but he's here and he's going to be able to get some stuff done," Tracy said, per Mac Cerullo of The Boston Herald.
Given Tracy's comments, the Red Sox appear to be playing it safe with Contreras and letting his body fully recover.
While they are in an important race right now, they need him healthy for a potential playoff push. Contreras will have another chance to suit up Saturday against the Athletics, though Sunday feels like the more realistic target for his return.
