The Cincinnati Reds and St. Louis Cardinals have long been fierce rivals, but with the Cardinals entering a rebuild, trading away key players like Sonny Gray, Willson Contreras, Brendan Donovan, and Nolan Arenado, that rivalry might take a backseat this season. However, Reds pitcher Tony Santillan seems ready to stoke the flames of another classic rivalry-this time with the Chicago Cubs.
In a conversation with Cincinnati reporter Charlie Goldsmith, Santillan reflected on his intense matchups with Cubs' rising star Pete Crow-Armstrong (PCA). His comments suggest that the Reds-Cubs rivalry is far from dormant.
“I’ve been waiting for that at-bat for a while,” Santillan admitted. “Facing PCA was something I’d been anticipating since May. When he stepped up to the plate, I was ready.”
This anticipation stems from a memorable clash last season. In May, with the Reds up 6-4, Santillan faced Crow-Armstrong with the bases loaded.
PCA delivered a crushing grand slam, propelling the Cubs to a 13-6 victory. It was a moment that went viral, leaving Santillan eager for redemption.
He got his chance in September, a crucial period for the Reds as they chased a playoff spot. Santillan took the mound in the ninth inning, aiming to seal a four-game sweep against the Cubs. With a narrow 1-0 lead, he found himself in a tense situation-two walks had put runners on first and second, and PCA was up to bat.
Santillan, unfazed, unleashed a 97 mph fastball on the inside corner, striking out Crow-Armstrong and securing the sweep. His triumphant roar and embrace with catcher Jose Trevino were moments of sweet revenge.
Reflecting on the showdown, Santillan said, "I had been waiting for that at-bat for a while now. I finally got it, and I did what I knew I could do.”
The Reds' rivalries within the NL Central have cooled in recent years, but this fiery exchange between Santillan and PCA could reignite the competitive spirit. It recalls the intensity of past matchups, reminiscent of the days when Amir Garrett and Javier Baez brought a similar edge to the field. As the new season unfolds, fans can look forward to seeing if this spark between the Reds and Cubs catches fire once more.