Juan Soto is gearing up for a highly anticipated return to Yankee Stadium this Friday night, and he’s fully aware of the reception that awaits him. The talented outfielder made headlines when he left the New York Yankees just six weeks post-World Series loss, opting for a record-setting 15-year, $765 million contract with their crosstown rivals, the New York Mets. With the spotlight shining directly on him, Soto knows the Bronx crowd won’t exactly roll out the red carpet.
“It’s going to be 50,000 against one,” Soto shared candidly. “They’re going to try to get on me, you know. It’s part of it. Whatever they do, they have a right to do it.”
The emotions are running high as he makes his first appearance back at the iconic stadium. His departure stirred plenty of talk among fans, particularly as he became a fan favorite during the Yankees’ postseason run that culminated in their first World Series appearance since 2009. Daily chants of “re-sign Soto” became the soundtrack of the final games of the season, reinforcing the bond he shared with the fans. Ultimately, however, he chose to turn down the Yankees’ impressive 16-year, $760 million offer, opting for the lucrative deal with the Mets.
Despite the pressure of the moment, Soto expressed his confidence in his decision. “No, no. I made a decision, and I’m happy that I made it,” he said. Reflecting on his new team, he noted, “You look around. We have an unbelievable team. And it’s going to be a good team for a long time.” The Mets are indeed positioned well, having been at the top of the standings since April 11, and recently coming off a strong showing in the National League Championship Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
As for Soto’s performance, he’s been steadily finding his rhythm. He’s currently hitting .255 with eight home runs and 20 RBIs, including a .289 batting average over his last 12 games. Soto has consistently batted second in the order, providing support between heavy hitters Francisco Lindor and Pete Alonso, although he did sit out during a tough game against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
On the Yankees’ side of things, they have strategically invested their resources into bolstering their roster. With hopes of compensating for Soto’s departure, they signed starting pitcher Max Fried and seven-time All-Star first baseman Paul Goldschmidt, the 2022 NL MVP. Additionally, they acquired two-time All-Star outfielder Cody Bellinger, an impressive addition given his 2019 MVP honor. This strategic infusion of talent adds significant depth around the star-studded lineup, including the outstanding Aaron Judge, who is leading the majors with a staggering .412 batting average, accompanied by 15 home runs and 41 RBIs.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone anticipates an electric atmosphere during the weekend series against the Mets, especially considering the competitive environment in New York sports right now. “I think it’ll be really exciting for the fan bases,” Boone stated. “Especially with all that’s going on in New York right now with the Knicks hopefully on the verge of a series win and us playing the Mets and all that goes with that. Hopefully, the weather is good and it provides for an exciting weekend for our city.”
For Soto, the return to Yankee Stadium isn’t just about the challenge of facing rowdy fans; it’s a moment he’s looking forward to. With a smile, he remarked, “It’s going to be good. We’re going to have a good time.” As he steps onto the field, there’s no doubt that the lingering tension of his departure will be palpable, but Soto is ready to embrace the moment—an exciting chapter that promises to captivate fans from both sides of the town.
