Juan Soto is poised for an electrifying return to Yankee Stadium as he faces the New York Yankees this Friday night in the opener of a crucial three-game series. Soto, a former Yankee who signed a historic 15-year, $765 million contract with the New York Mets just six weeks after the Yankees’ World Series appearance, understands that he will be met with a mix of emotions from the fans.
Soto anticipates a hostile environment, stating, “It’s going to be 50,000 against one. They’re going to try to get on me, you know. It’s part of it.” His departure from the Yankees was a hot topic among fans, who chanted “re-sign Soto” throughout the postseason. However, he ultimately chose the Mets over a competing 16-year, $760 million offer from the Yankees, and he has expressed no regrets about his decision, affirming, “I made a decision, and I’m happy that I made it.”
Currently, Soto is hitting .255 with eight home runs and 20 RBIs, and he’s been instrumental in the Mets maintaining first place in the standings since April 11. After a slow start to the season, Soto has improved his performance significantly, batting .289 over his last 12 games. He has settled into a key position in the lineup, contributing to a team that reached the NLCS last season.
On the other side, the Yankees have made significant roster changes to fill the gap left by Soto’s absence, bringing in notable talents like pitcher Max Fried, first baseman Paul Goldschmidt, and outfielder Cody Bellinger, bolstering their lineup around superstar Aaron Judge, who is currently leading the majors with a .412 batting average.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone expressed enthusiasm for the series, reflecting on the charged atmosphere in New York as both teams continue to compete for supremacy. He noted the energy surrounding the city’s sports scene, also mentioning the Knicks’ hopeful success in their own postseason endeavor.
Soto himself echoed Boone’s excitement, stating his return “is going to be fun” and that he anticipates a thrilling weekend for fans on both sides. This heightened rivalry adds an extra layer of intrigue to the already competitive atmosphere in New York baseball. The series provides a unique opportunity for Soto to showcase his talent and resilience against the team that once adored him, making it a highly anticipated matchup for fans.