The Yankees-Red Sox rivalry is alive and well.
Over a month after newly-acquired Red Sox pitcher Sonny Gray ripped his former team as “easy to hate,” Boston’s new first baseman followed suit in taking a shot at the Yankees.
Willson Contreras, who, just like Gray, was acquired in a trade with the Cardinals, made it clear that he’s not joining his new team with any fond feelings toward its AL East rivals.
The Red Sox acquired Willson Contreras from the Cardinals back in December. Getty Images“Whenever I play the Yankees, from [my time] with the Cubs or St. Louis, my mindset is different,” Contreras told reporters Wednesday.
“We have to win, we have to win …They have really good players, but I’m not coming to Boston just to like the Yankees, because that’s not going to happen.”
Contreras, 33, was dealt to the Red Sox in late December after the Mets explored acquiring him as a potential replacement for the departed Pete Alonso.
The three-time All-Star, who has spent most of his career as a catcher, is coming off a solid offensive season with St. Louis.
In 135 games, he slashed .257/.344/.447 with 20 home runs and 80 RBIs.
His comments echo those of Gray, who posted disappointing results over one-and-a-half seasons in New York – after he reportedly “lied” to Yankees general manager Brian Cashman about wanting to wear the pinstripes.
“It feels good to me to go to a place where it’s easy to hate the Yankees,” Gray said during his introductory presser.
“I never wanted to go there in the first place.”
In addition to Gray and Contreras, the Red Sox also acquired starter Johan Oviedo from the Pirates earlier this offseason.
Boston also agreed to a five-year, $130 million deal with All-Star left-hander Ranger Suarez on Wednesday, The Post’s Jon Heyman first reported.
After watching third baseman Alex Bregman depart in free agency for the Cubs, Boston reportedly continues to explore the market for infield help.
Boston has been linked to shortstop Bo Bichette, who has also received interest from the Yankees and met with the Phillies earlier this week.
Contreras told reporters he would speak with his close friend, free agent third baseman Eugenio Suarez, about possibly joining him in Beantown.
“I haven’t talked to him in a few days,” Contreras said, per MLB.com.
“We are really close. We’re friends and he is one of my best friends around. He’s a great guy, great hitter. But we’ll see what we can do about him for coming to Boston.”

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