Juan Soto is headed back to the Bronx – but this time, he’ll be wearing the uniform of the hated New York Mets.
After a single season with the Yankees, Soto signed with the cross-town rival Mets in free agency, setting the stage for a dramatic return this weekend when his new team visits Yankee Stadium.
Unsurprisingly, if you ask the fans who occupy the most vocal section of the ballpark, Soto shouldn’t expect a warm welcome.
The Yankees’ infamous “Bleacher Creatures,” known for their intense loyalty and unfiltered chants, are preparing to greet Soto in their own unique way.
Mark Chalpin, one of the unofficial voices of the Creatures, spoke to NJ.com ahead of the highly anticipated Subway Series.
“I don’t think we can pull it off, but I would like to see us all turn our back when Soto comes out in the first inning,” Chalpin said.
The idea may be ambitious, but the sentiment is clear. Yankee fans – especially the diehards in the right-field bleachers – see Soto’s move to Queens as a betrayal, and the response will be anything but subtle.
“I can tell you that the real Bleacher Creatures, the regulars, are going to do things like ‘F’ Juan Soto,” Chalpin added. “We may do other things, and he’s not going to get a warm reception, and you may hear that chant, but it won’t be from us.”
While Chalpin draws a line between the group’s organized efforts and more hostile fan behavior, the message is unmistakable: Soto’s return is likely to be loud, contentious, and very personal.
Regardless of how you feel about Soto’s decision to leave the Bombers for the Mets, he deserves credit for how he’s handling the heat so far.
“Whatever they do, they have the right to do it. I’m just going to go out there and do my stuff. I’m just going to try to focus on my game,” he said.
As simple as that quote is, it proves that Soto is taking the right approach. No victim mentality whatsoever. He knows what’s waiting for him in the Bronx, and he acknowledges that the fans have a right to voice their opinions on him loud and clear.
The drama unfolds just as Aaron Judge continues to power the Yankees’ offense, recently hitting his 15th home run of the season in another victory for the pinstripes.
As the Mets come to town, the Bronx faithful are ready – not just for baseball, but for a bit of payback.
What are your thoughts on Soto’s return to Yankee Stadium? … How harshly do you think he’ll be treated by the Bleacher Creatures???
