Willson Contreras issued a direct warning to the Milwaukee Brewers after being hit by their pitchers for the 24th time in his career, a pattern he no longer considers accidental. The latest incident came on April 06 2026 at Fenway Park, when a 93 mph pitch from Brandon Woodruff struck his hand and reignited a long-running tension between the teams. Speaking on April 07 2026, Contreras said, “So next time they hit me again, I’m going to take one of them out. That’s a message.” That statement has now shifted a familiar rivalry into something far more serious.
What Really Happened In Boston
In the third inning of a tense home game, a 93 mph sinker from Brewers starter Brandon Woodruff grazed Contreras’ fingers, and umpires awarded first base as the Red Sox trailed early. In its recap on April 06 2026, NationalToday said Brewers manager Pat Murphy challenged the call, but replay officials let it stand. NESN reported on April 07 2026 that later, Contreras added a hard slide into shortstop David Hamilton that tore his pants but was ruled legal. Still, the postgame reaction revealed far more than the play itself.
“I’m Going To Take One Of Them Out”
Contreras delivered his message calmly in the clubhouse after the game, not during any on-field confrontation. The Associated Press reported on April 07 2026 that he told reporters, “They always say, ‘I’m not trying to hit you.’ That gets old. So next time they hit me again, I’m going to take one of them out. That’s a message.” NESN noted on April 07 2026 that no discipline followed, reflecting how MLB handles actions rather than statements. That response added tension to a rivalry already carrying years of history.
A Decade Of Bruises Behind The Outburst
This tension traces back more than a decade. ClutchPoints reported on April 06 2026 that Brewers outfielder Christian Yelich said, “We’ve seen that skit for the last 10 years. It’s nothing new,” referencing incidents dating to Contreras’ Cubs and Cardinals years. NationalToday noted on April 06 2026 that no other opponent has hit him more than 14 times, with the Pirates and Reds tied there. The Associated Press added on April 07 2026 that Woodruff alone accounts for 6 of those HBPs, shaping how both sides now read every pitch inside.
Why This Feud Now Feels Impossible To Ignore
On April 06 2026, ESPN explained that MLB’s Automated Ball-Strike system does not apply to hit-by-pitch rulings, leaving calls like this dependent on replay that often results in “call stands” decisions. The Associated Press reported on April 07 2026 that Murphy’s challenge failed under that standard, with video unable to confirm contact. NationalToday noted on April 06 2026 that the teams still have multiple matchups remaining this season, and after such a direct warning, each upcoming plate appearance carries added weight and consequence.
Sources:
Willson Contreras warns Brewers if they hit him with a pitch again he’ll “take one of them out.” Associated Press, April 07 2026
Red Sox’ Willson Contreras Warns Brewers After Heated HBP Incident. NationalToday, April 06 2026
Red Sox news: Willson Contreras sends blunt warning to Brewers after latest HBP. ClutchPoints, April 06 2026
Brewers’ Christian Yelich fires back at Willson Contreras with ’10-year skit’ jab. Yahoo Sports, April 07 2026
Red Sox’s Willson Contreras Sends Clear Threat To Brewers Players After HBP. NESN, April 07 2026
Red Sox’s Contreras left fuming after latest Brewers HBP. ESPN, April 06 2026
