As Juan Soto gears up for his first Subway Series wearing a New York Mets jersey instead of the familiar pinstripes of the New York Yankees, his recent reflections reveal a player resolute in his choice to switch boroughs this offseason. “No, no. I made a decision, and I’m happy that I made it,” Soto shared with a confident demeanor, highlighting his belief in the talent surrounding him in Queens. “We have an unbelievable team. And it’s going to be a good team for a long time.”
Last season, Soto showcased why he’s considered one of the elite talents in baseball, having a career year with the Yankees that culminated in 41 home runs and 109 RBIs, playing a pivotal role in guiding them to the World Series for the first time since 2009. Yet, when it came time for a big decision, he chose to ink a jaw-dropping 15-year contract worth $765 million with the Mets, setting the record as the largest contract in professional sports history. Notably, he turned down a 16-year offer from the Yankees valued at $760 million—an indication of not just financial but personal conviction in his choice.
Of course, his departure from the Bronx didn’t sit well with many Yankees fans, and as Soto steps back into his old home turf, he anticipates a raucous reception from the crowd. “It’s going to be 50,000 against one,” he acknowledged, fully aware that the energy in the stadium will hardly be in his favor. “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.” Such is the life of an athlete pivoting from one of the game’s historic franchises to another.
On the field, Soto faced a challenging start to the season, managing just three home runs through March and April. However, he appears to be hitting his stride recently, belting five home runs and racking up eight RBIs over his last 12 games. As he takes aim at his former team, fans will be watching closely to see if he can carry this momentum into the high-stakes atmosphere of the Subway Series.
Meanwhile, for the Yankees, life post-Soto hasn’t been too shabby. They stand at 25-18, buoyed by MVP-caliber play from Aaron Judge and a robust depth chart enhanced by the flexibility gained from not securing Soto’s contract. As both teams gear up for the captivating Subway Series—which kicks off this Friday—there’s no doubt that the stakes will be high, both on the field and in the stands. Fans from both sides are in for an exciting showdown that encapsulates the fierce rivalry and storied history of New York baseball, with plenty of compelling storylines to fuel the competitive fire.
