The Yankees-Crimson Sox rivalry is alive and effectively.
Over a month after newly-acquired Crimson Sox pitcher Sonny Grey ripped his former staff as “simple to hate,” Boston’s new first baseman adopted swimsuit in taking a shot on the Yankees.
Willson Contreras, who, similar to Grey, was acquired in a commerce with the Cardinals, made it clear that he’s not becoming a member of his new staff with any fond emotions towards its AL East rivals.
“Every time I play the Yankees, from [my time] with the Cubs or St. Louis, my mindset is totally different,” Contreras advised reporters Wednesday.
“We have now to win, we have now to win …They’ve 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.”
Contreras, 33, was dealt to the Crimson Sox in late December after the Mets explored buying him as a possible substitute 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 desirous to put on the pinstripes.
“It feels good to me to go to a spot the place it’s simple to hate the Yankees,” Grey mentioned throughout his introductory presser.
“I by no means needed 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 cope with All-Star left-hander Ranger Suarez on Wednesday, The Submit’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 acquired curiosity from the Yankees and met with the Phillies earlier this week.
Contreras advised reporters he would converse together with his shut good friend, free agent third baseman Eugenio Suarez, about presumably becoming a member of him in Beantown.
“I haven’t talked to him in a number of days,” Contreras mentioned, per MLB.com.
“We’re actually shut. We’re buddies and he’s one in every of my greatest buddies round. He’s an amazing man, nice hitter. However we’ll see what we will do about him for coming to Boston.”
