Willson Contreras did not need much time to prove that he belonged with the Boston Red Sox. “Had to be,” the Red Sox wrote while announcing the selection on social media. Willson Contreras Makes Immediate ImpactThe Red Sox acquired Contreras from the St. Louis Cardinals in December, hoping his power and experience could strengthen a lineup with serious questions at first base. pic.twitter.com/r1aaSq1awv — Red Sox (@RedSox) August 7, 2026Contreras entered Friday batting .288 with 23 home runs and 70 RBIs. The Red Sox entered Friday at 63-51 after winning eight consecutive games and 31 of their past 36.