Willson Contreras appeals to Cubs fans, walks back rant about former team

On May 8, 2023, Willson Contreras made his return to Wrigley Field for the first time since signing with the St. Louis Cardinals for five years and $87.5 million. 

Contreras’ return was met with a mixed reaction, as while there were plenty of people applauding the player who spent 14 years with the Chicago Cubs organization, there were many who took to booing him. While their beloved catcher joining the ranks of a division rival is often grounds for anger by itself, their boos were fueled by certain comments Contreras had made earlier in the offseason. 

"For me, I like this better. It’s a better organization," Contreras told Bally Sports Midwest after signing with the team in February. "We’re almost [have] like old school ways, which I love it. That’s something that I really like. I already talked to the manager about it, how there’s a culture here. Ever since I got here, it’s been everything just one way, the Cardinal way.”  

Some would argue Contreras had a right to be angry. After dangling him before other teams on the trade market, the Cubs made the decision to hold onto him just minutes before the official trade deadline.

The team then made little to no effort to extend his contract, merely extending him a qualifying offer, which he later declined, leading him to the rival Cardinals. It was a bitter exit for the World Series champion, who had become a fan favorite after making his debut in 2016.

However, as the old adage says, time heals all wounds.

In a recent interview with Our Esquina, Contreras addressed some of these comments.

“I really want to take back everything I said in 2023,” Contreras said. “I think I spoke from my emotions and not my maturity. We live and learn and I love both teams.”

Will these comments do anything to put an end to the boos? If we’re being honest, probably not. Contreras has always thrived on the energy of the fans throughout his career, and it did not take him long to assume the role of the villain in this rivalry. 

Still, it is good to see Contreras extending an olive branch towards the city of Chicago. While he may play for the enemy now, Contreras should and will always be remembered for his contributions that led the Cubs to break their 108-year championship drought.