A heated moment between former teammates added extra fuel to the already intense rivalry between the St. Louis Cardinals and Chicago Cubs during their four-game set, with emotions running high in a tight NL Central race. But cooler heads are now prevailing, as both Willson Contreras and Daniel Palencia have attempted to defuse the situation.
Contreras, a three-time All-Star who spent the first seven years of his career with the Cubs before signing an $87.5 million deal with the Cardinals in 2022, took exception to a 101 mph fastball from Palencia that struck him on the hand in the bottom of the ninth inning. The tension escalated after Palencia struck out the side to seal a 3–0 win for the Cubs and celebrated with an emphatic chest-pound directed at Contreras, who had already exchanged words earlier in the inning.
Cardinals first base coach Stubby Clapp had to intervene to prevent the altercation from boiling over, and while no physical confrontation occurred, the incident certainly stirred up emotions on both sides.
Cubs manager Craig Counsell kept things light in his postgame comments, saying with a grin, “I didn’t see it, I was giving high-fives,” per Marquee Sports Network—a line that subtly acknowledged the moment without fanning the flames further.
In the aftermath, both Contreras and Palencia, who share Venezuelan roots, expressed regret over how the situation played out at Busch Stadium. Their efforts to de-escalate the conflict serve as a reminder that even in fierce rivalries, mutual respect can still shine through.
Cardinals’ Willson Contreras and Cubs’ Daniel Palencia share their perspectives
“My reaction was bad,” Willson Contreras admitted, per Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. “I apologize to the Chicago Cubs for the way I reacted… I don’t want to fight them.” Contreras, who suffered a fractured forearm last season, explained that his outburst stemmed from understandable fear and frustration—a high-velocity pitch near the upper body is a serious concern for any hitter, especially one with his injury history.
While most agree Daniel Palencia didn’t intentionally hit Contreras with the 101 MPH fastball, there’s an expectation that pitchers commanding that kind of heat must also show control. Mistakes at that speed can carry real consequences, and tempers often flare when a player’s health and career are put at risk. Critics may point to Contreras’ fiery reputation, but this moment resonated beyond just one player—it reflected the intensity and dangers baked into a game played at such extremes.
The context also matters: Contreras is a former Cubs star who departed Chicago under tense circumstances, and his presence alone stirs strong emotions. When an incident like this unfolds, fans are quick to react—especially when it involves a player many in Wrigleyville still feel conflicted about.
Still, both players have made it clear they’re not looking to escalate the matter. Palencia, 25, expressed his admiration for Contreras, saying, “I was pretty hype … I don’t want to hit that guy. I’ve been watching that guy since I was a kid. I feel proud of him for what he’s doing for the game. Like I said, the moment was intense, close game. I think it was just that,” per Marquee Sports Network.
With the dust seemingly settled, both teams appear ready to move on—but the story might not be finished just yet. The Cardinals (44–38) and Cubs (48–33) are set to meet again next week at Wrigley Field, where the crowd will no doubt be energized by Thursday’s drama. The rivalry is alive and well—and now it has a little more bite.
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