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BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - APRIL 19: Willson Contreras #40 of the Boston Red Sox looks to the dugout from the base paths after hitting a solo home run in the first inning against the Detroit Tigers at Fenway Park on April 19, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jaiden Tripi/Getty Images)

The Boston Red Sox have certainly had a frustrating start to the 2026 season. After entering the season with high expectations, the Red Sox currently sport an underwhelming 17-22 record and are fourth in the American League East standings.

While the Red Sox have won four out of their last five games, they still have a lot of work to do if they hope to get back into the playoff picture. If they are unable to stay hot and end up staying in the bottom portion of the AL East standings, they may have no choice but to be sellers at the 2026 MLB Trade Deadline.

If the Red Sox end up being sellers, they have some veterans who stand out as potential trade chips. Due to Boston’s struggles, one of their top stars has now been named a top trade candidate to watch from the American League East team.

Red Sox Slugger Willson Contreras Named Top Trade Candidate to Watch

In a recent article for FanSided, Christopher Kline took a look at four Red Sox trade candidates for this season. Interestingly, offseason acquisition Willson Contreras was among the players mentioned by Kline.

“The Red Sox aren’t under immediate pressure to trade Contreras, but he’s also 33. The tank will be empty eventually, so it’s probably smart to sell early in a lost season, when contenders will still line up around the block to add his bat for the stretch run — and hopefully a couple future postseason runs, too,” Kline wrote.

If the Red Sox end up making Contreras available this offseason, there is no question that he would generate interest from contenders. He is still a star at this point in his career and would be a very good pickup for a playoff team that is looking for more offense.

Contreras has appeared in 38 games this season with the Red Sox, where he has eight home runs, 23 RBIs, and a .259 batting average. This is after he had 20 home runs, 80 RBIs, and a .257 batting average in 135 games during this past season with the St. Louis Cardinals.

With Contreras having a strong start to the season and being a three-time All-Star, it is likely that the Red Sox could get a strong return for him in a potential move. This is especially so when noting that he would be more than a rental for any interested clubs. This is because he is in the fourth season of his five-year, $87.5 million contract.

Red Sox Are Facing a Big Decision With Their Trade Deadline Plans

With the Red Sox being on the wrong side of the playoff line, they will have a big decision to make when the deadline gets closer. If they are unable to get things back on track, it is very possible that they will end up being sellers this year. If they do, Contreras would easily be one of their top trade chips to dangle.

However, if the Red Sox end up going on a real heater and are back in the playoff picture as we get closer to the deadline, it would be understandable if they held on to Contreras. It will be interesting to see what happens on that front.