The Yankees-Crimson Sox rivalry is alive and effectively.
Over a month after newly-acquired Crimson Sox pitcher Sonny Grey ripped his former group as “straightforward to hate,” Boston’s new first baseman adopted swimsuit in taking a shot on the Yankees.
Willson Contreras, who, identical to Grey, was acquired in a commerce with the Cardinals, made it clear that he’s not becoming a member of his new group with any fond emotions towards its AL East rivals.
“I’m trying ahead to it,” Contreras mentioned about going through the Yankees throughout a Zoom name with reporters Wednesday. “At any time when I play the Yankees, from [my time] with the Cubs or St. Louis, my mindset was completely different. We now have to win, we now have to win, we now have to win. And we now have to play good baseball.
“I do know the Yankees are a extremely good group, they usually have actually good gamers. However I’m not coming to Boston simply to love the Yankees, as a result of that’s not going to occur.
“They’re most likely going to begin hating me every time we play towards one another, however I’m going to play with hearth, I’m going to play with emotion and present them we are able to win.”
Contreras, 33, was dealt to the Crimson Sox in late December after the Mets explored buying him as a possible alternative for the departed Pete Alonso.
The three-time All-Star, who has spent most of his profession as a catcher, is coming off a stable offensive season with St. Louis.
In 135 video games, he slashed .257/.344/.447 with 20 dwelling runs and 80 RBIs.
His feedback echo these of Grey, who posted disappointing outcomes over one-and-a-half seasons in New York – after he reportedly “lied” to Yankees common supervisor Brian Cashman about eager to put on the pinstripes.
“It feels good to me to go to a spot the place it’s straightforward to hate the Yankees,” Grey mentioned throughout his introductory presser.
“I by no means wished to go there within the first place.”
Along with Grey and Contreras, the Crimson Sox additionally acquired starter Johan Oviedo from the Pirates earlier this offseason.
Boston additionally agreed to a five-year, $130 million take care of All-Star left-hander Ranger Suarez on Wednesday, The Publish’s Jon Heyman first reported.
After watching third baseman Alex Bregman depart in free company for the Cubs, Boston reportedly continues to discover the marketplace for infield assist.
Boston has been linked to shortstop Bo Bichette, who has additionally obtained curiosity from the Yankees and met with the Phillies earlier this week.
Contreras informed reporters he would converse along with his shut buddy, free agent third baseman Eugenio Suarez, about presumably becoming a member of him in Beantown.
“I haven’t talked to him in just a few days,” Contreras mentioned.
“We’re actually shut. We’re mates, Eugenio is one in all my greatest mates round. He’s an important man, nice hitter. However we’ll see what we are able to do about him for coming to Boston.”
