The Yankees fans are vocal, and Juan Soto knows it well. After he was booed by them at Clover Park on Monday, the former Yankees slugger is apprehensive of a bigger backlash when the Mets travel to the Bronx this May. The reaction of Yankees manager Aaron Boone after meeting him only added to his anxiety.
The slugger who galvanized Yankees fans throughout 2024 and propelled the team to its first World Series appearance since 2009 anticipates his once-adoring Bronx faithful may soon greet him with loud jeers. Just months after departing the Yankees to ink an unprecedented 15-year, $765 million contract with the New York Mets, Soto faced his former club during Monday’s Grapefruit League finale, providing a glimpse of the shifting sentiment among Yankees supporters.
“Yankees fans, they can surprise you with anything, so I am expecting the worst,” Soto remarked following the 6-6 draw at Clover Park. While appreciative applause resonated throughout the stadium, distinct boos emerged from Yankees supporters in attendance—foreshadowing what might await him when the Subway Series kicks off with three consecutive games in the Bronx this May.
Spring training reunion precedes heightened rivalry
Despite most Yankees starters sitting out Monday’s contest, Soto seized the chance to reconnect with several companions from last year’s championship pursuit.
“It was a great feeling to get a little bit in touch with those guys,” Soto shared. “We have a lot of memories from last year. Just to see them and know they’re doing well personally and as a team, I’m happy for them.”
The 25-year-old outfielder exchanged playful banter with former manager Aaron Boone, who teasingly commented that Soto looked “terrible” in Mets attire.
“It’s just Boonie,” Soto chuckled. “He probably doesn’t like the orange and blue.”
Yet beneath the cordial exchanges lies an intensifying cross-town rivalry. The expanded 2025 Subway Series will feature six regular-season encounters, up from four in 2024, providing Soto multiple opportunities to perform before Yankees fans—and vice versa.
Trading Bronx for Queens
Soto emerged as a cornerstone of the Yankees‘ 2024 revival. He compiled impressive statistics—a .294 batting average, 39 home runs, 104 RBIs, and a .408 on-base percentage across 156 regular-season appearances. His contributions extended into October, helping guide the Yankees to the World Series before falling to the Dodgers in five games.
Despite Soto’s remarkable campaign, the Yankees ultimately couldn’t secure his long-term commitment. Their 16-year, $760 million proposal nearly succeeded, but Steve Cohen’s personal involvement, alongside the Mets’ long-range roster vision and family-centric culture, ultimately swayed Soto’s decision.
The move stunned Yankees supporters—and numerous teammates—but Soto has wholeheartedly embraced his position as the centerpiece of the Mets’ future.
“I think we are in a really good spot,” Soto assessed his new club. “We’re really talented. We’ve had to deal with some adversity, but I think we’re going to be fine.”
Mets navigate preseason health challenges
Like their Bronx counterparts, the Mets enter Opening Day managing several injuries. Francisco Alvarez (hamate bone surgery), Sean Manaea (oblique), Frankie Montas (lat strain), and Jeff McNeil (oblique) will begin the season on the injured list.
Nevertheless, Soto—now anchoring a versatile, athletic lineup—maintains lofty aspirations.
“It doesn’t matter who’s in the division, we still think we are going to be at the top,” he declared, addressing the Mets’ NL East competition with the Braves and Phillies. “You’re always expecting to be at the top.”
The Mets wrapped up spring training with Monday’s contest before departing for Houston, where they’ll face the Astros in Thursday’s season opener. Meanwhile, the Yankees will host Milwaukee’s Brewers in the Bronx, albeit with a depleted roster.
Yankees confronting injury setbacks
While Soto’s Queen’s transition progresses smoothly, the Yankees grapple with multiple health concerns. Gerrit Cole will miss the entire season recovering from Tommy John surgery while emerging starter Luis Gil is projected to remain sidelined for at least two months with a lat strain. Offensively, Giancarlo Stanton continues battling elbow and calf issues, and DJ LeMahieu struggles with persistent calf problems.
Soto acknowledged keeping informed about his former teammates’ situations.
“We feel like brothers right now, and I keep in touch with a lot of guys over there, so I definitely know what is going on,” he remarked.
Mid-May marks Bronx battle
The interborough rivalry resumes May 16–18 at Yankee Stadium, where Soto anticipates a considerably more hostile reception than he experienced in Florida. This first official return to the Bronx wearing Mets colors represents one of 2025’s most anticipated early-season matchups.
The Subway Series concludes July 4–6 at Citi Field, potentially previewing October matchups should both clubs fulfill expectations.
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