Former Reds pest infuriates Brewers fans further with crushing playoff blow

Jesse Winker has never endeared himself to the fans in Milwaukee. Winker was a thorn in the side of the Milwaukee Brewers and their fanbase during his tenure with the Cincinnati Reds, and he's doing more of same after Tuesday's playoff win as a member of the New York Mets.

Winker, of course, played for the Brewers last season and had one of his worst seasons in the majors. The former All-Star was traded from the Seattle Mariners to the Brewers during the 2022-23 offseason and his time in the Cream City was defined by injuries and unproductive at-bats. Winker played in just 61 games with the Reds' NL Central rival last season and posted a .199/.320/.247 slash line.

Winker inked a minor-league deal with the Washington Nationals this past offseason and reestablished his value as a major league hitter. Winker slashed .257/.374/.419 with the Nats before being traded to the Mets at this year's deadline. The Mets and Brewers met in Game 1 of the NL Wild Card Series on Tuesday, and Winker was at the center of controversy.

Former Reds pest infuriates Brewers fans further with crushing playoff blow

During the top of the second inning, with the Brewers leading 2-0, Winker stepped into the batters' box and laced a two-run triple to tie the game. But rather than letting his bat do the talk, Winker's mouth got him trouble again as he rounded the bases.

After plating two, Winker safely reached third and was seen chirping at one of the Brewers' players. As it turns out, it was shortstop Willy Adames. Further video evidence revealed Winker said something while motoring around second base.

The Mets would go on to win by a final of 8-4, but Winker declined to comment on what was said, stating to the media after the game that he only wanted to focus on Game 2. This isn't the first time, and probably won't be the last time, that Winker is caught up in some type of controversy.

Winker's time in Cincinnati came to an end prior to the 2022 season when he and Eugenio Suarez were both dealt to the Mariners in exchange for Brandon Williamson, Jake Fraley, Connor Phillips, and Justin Dunn. The former All-Star has become somewhat notorious of late, and it'll be interesting to see if yesterday's conflict boils over onto the field for Game 2 today.

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