PHOENIX — ESPN recently picked a few players as potential fits for the Arizona Diamondbacks, including Boston Red Sox first baseman Willson Contreras.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The Diamondbacks are listed as a potential “best fit” for several significant players by @kileymcd and @JeffPassan 👀
Including:👇
OF Byron Buxton
SP Joe Ryan
SP Reid Detmers
SP Jose Soriano
LHP Aroldis Chapman
1B Willson Contreras
SP Sandy Alcantara
SP Freddy Peralta
OF…— SleeperDiamondbacks (@SleeperDbacks) June 17, 2026
If the Diamondbacks become buyers at the trade deadline, first base could be one of the biggest areas they look to upgrade. Adding a proven middle-of-the-order bat like Contreras would address one of Arizona’s biggest offensive needs while providing more protection for the club’s top run producers.
Ildemaro Vargas and Pavin Smith have served as the platoon duo at the right-hand corner, with the D-Backs relying on matchups to determine who gets the start.
Jul 5, 2026; Anaheim, California, USA; Boston Red Sox first baseman Willson Contreras (40) runs the bases after hitting a three-run home run in the third inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Still, both have left a void at a position traditionally expected to provide power. Vargas got off to a hot start but has cooled down, batting .261 with seven home runs, 46 RBIs and a .707 OPS. While he has provided defensive versatility and dependable contact, he hasn’t supplied the power typically expected.
Smith, meanwhile, has struggled to establish himself offensively since returning from injury. He’s batting .157 with a .473 OPS.
Jun 19, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Boston Red Sox first baseman Willson Contreras (40) catches the ball in the first inning against the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Ng-Imagn Images
Contreras, meanwhile, has been one of Boston’s most productive hitters, batting .284 with 20 home runs, 59 RBIs and a .920 OPS. His combination of power, patience and postseason experience would strengthen Arizona’s lineup.
Adding Contreras would give Arizona another middle-of-the-order power bat to complement the contact and speed throughout the rest of the lineup.
Jun 25, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Red Sox first baseman Willson Contreras (40) grounded to base on fielders choice to drive in a run against the New York Yankees the fifth inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images
Acquiring the first baseman would likely require the Snakes to part with valuable prospects or young talent, but impact bats rarely come cheap. If the Red Sox decide to listen to offers, Arizona could view the veteran slugger as the type of addition that addresses one of its biggest offensive weaknesses.
Whether the Diamondbacks ultimately pursue Contreras may depend on the asking price and where the team is closer to the deadline, but his production makes him a logical fit for a team seeking more power.
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
