What happened: Willson Contreras told reporters before the All-Star Game in Philadelphia that he does not plan to waive his no-trade clause and intends to stay with the Red Sox. "I found my family here," Contreras said, adding he has already discussed his future with the front office. Boston acquired the catcher in a trade with the Cardinals last December.
Why it matters: The Red Sox looked like potential sellers at 32-46 a few weeks ago, but they won nine straight games entering the break and now sit 46-48, a half-game out of a playoff spot. That turnaround raises the stakes on Contreras's stance, since trading him would have been a more realistic option before the winning streak.
By the numbers: Contreras is hitting .285 with 20 home runs, 61 RBIs and a .921 OPS this season, earning his first American League All-Star selection. He nearly reached the Home Run Derby final Monday, falling in the semifinals by one blast. Over three seasons with the Cardinals he hit 55 home runs in 344 games, and he won a World Series with the Cubs in 2016.
What to watch: With Contreras off the trade market, watch whether Boston's front office looks elsewhere to reinforce the roster before the Aug. 3 deadline as the team pushes for a playoff spot.