Juan Soto scrubs Yankees from social media amid backlash, pressure to show hatred

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Juan Soto unfollowed the New York Yankees days after his Bronx reflections drew widespread criticism and pointed drubbing.

Mere months after electrifying the Bronx with his powerful swing and soaking in the adoration at Yankee Stadium, Juan Soto has virtually erased his Yankees connection from the digital realm. According to AlBat reports, he has removed the New York Yankees from his Instagram following list in what many observers interpret as a symbolic separation from his former team as he embraces his identity as a Met.

What started as an offseason narrative of mutual admiration between two of baseball’s premier talents — Soto and Yankees leader Aaron Judge — has transformed into a tension-laced rivalry fueled by social media gestures, perceived slights, and Judge’s measured yet pointed response. His latest Yankees reflections, which drew severe backlash from baseball analysts and fans, are likely to have played a part in his digital severance.

Soto jilts Bronx for Queens but whines about Yankees days

After crushing 41 home runs and achieving personal bests across numerous offensive categories in 2024, Soto was positioned to secure one of the most lucrative contracts in baseball history — which he ultimately did. The 25-year-old Dominican outfielder inked a 15-year, $765 million blockbuster agreement with the New York Mets this past winter, departing from the Yankees, who reportedly proposed $760 million over 16 years.

While the financial difference was minimal, Soto’s selection of Queens over the Bronx resonated loudly. Even more telling was what transpired afterward.

Soto continued expressing admiration for his former teammate Judge in interviews, attributing his success to the Yankees captain’s ability to draw pitchers’ attention away from him.

The slugger also recalled the protection he had hitting ahead of a powerful slugger like Judge, whom he called the best in the league, after his home runs dried up in the Queens.

This praise, however, sparked criticism from New York supporters and analysts who interpreted the remark as diminishing Pete Alonso — Soto’s current slugging partner. The suggestion that Judge enhanced his performance implicitly portrayed Alonso as less threatening, despite Alonso’s impressive start to the season.

Digital departure: Soto unfollows Yankees

Amid mounting criticism, Soto made a subtle yet deliberate move. As Dominican journalist Yancen Pujols reported, he unfollowed the Yankees on Instagram, a symbolic action widely seen as his effort to completely close the Bronx chapter of his career.

This decision reverberated throughout MLB fandom, particularly given Soto’s previously positive reflections on his Yankees tenure.

Pujols defended the action, writing, “Well done. The Bronx is the past, and his focus should be the Mets. There are codes in business.”

Social media reaction was mixed. Yankees supporters viewed the gesture as a regret, while Mets fans questioned Soto’s loyalty given his nostalgic comments about his former teammate.

Judge responds with leadership, support

When asked about Soto’s comments — particularly the implication that batting ahead of Judge was more advantageous than doing so in the Mets lineup — Aaron Judge demonstrated exemplary restraint and professionalism.

“I’m not really going to go back and forth with this,” Judge told SNY’s Andy Martino. “He’s got probably one of the best hitters in the game behind [him] right now in what Alonso is doing. It has been fun to watch. He’s hitting close to .400. He’s driving the ball all over the field, driving guys in.”

He also offered an additional perspective on Soto’s development and outlook:

“I’ve seen Soto now watching the league for so many years, and getting a chance to see him up close — he can look at what I did last April for an example of, he just needs to keep being himself. He’s going to be just fine.”

Subway series rivalry intensifies

Though neither player grew up supporting the Yankees or Mets, the evolving rivalry between the crosstown teams now appears destined to become one of baseball’s most compelling matchups — with Soto and Judge as its central figures.

Last season, they formed one of baseball’s most intimidating offensive tandems atop the Yankees lineup. Judge’s power compelled pitchers to throw Soto more strikes; Soto’s exceptional plate discipline forced mistakes that Judge punished. Their partnership was dynamic — but fleeting.

Now, with both stars anchoring opposing lineups, the narrative practically writes itself: two MVP-caliber talents who respect each other’s abilities but find themselves on opposite sides of New York’s baseball divide.

Judge, maintaining his composed leadership style, summarized it concisely:

“Nobody can replace Soto. He’s one of a kind. But I think with the guys we added, we were able to fill some holes that we probably had last year.”

Indeed, the Yankees, bolstered by Jazz Chisholm Jr. and a recovered Anthony Volpe, are charting a new course. But Soto’s departure — and the digital distancing that followed — ensures his absence will be felt.

Future implications

Soto’s decision to unfollow the Yankees might seem trivial to some, but in contemporary sports — where every digital interaction faces scrutiny — it carries significance. It signals a deliberate choice to separate himself from his former organization amid heightening rivalry and shifting allegiances.

It also reflects baseball’s business reality: emotional connections typically last only until new chapters begin.

For Judge and the Yankees, the focus remains directed toward October’s success. However, the emotional undercurrent between Soto and his former captain, now reframed by the Mets-Yankees dynamic, adds intrigue to what’s already shaping up as an exciting season in New York baseball.

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