The Subway Series got a whole lot spicier on Friday night, not because of what happened on the field, but because of who stepped onto it. Juan Soto made his first return to Yankee Stadium since stunning fans with his decision to join the New York Mets in December. And the reception he got? A strange mix of boos, cheers, and sheer Bronx pettiness.
Juan Soto experiences a rare Yankee Stadium moment
As expected, Juan Soto wasn’t exactly welcomed with open arms. Yankees fans, still stung by his departure, erupted into some of the loudest boos heard in the Bronx in years when he stepped to the plate. Yet, in a baffling twist of emotion, those same fans also rose to their feet to offer a standing ovation—one laced with sarcasm, nostalgia, and maybe a touch of reluctant respect. Soto responded with grace, tipping his helmet and gently placing it over his heart, a gesture that said, I hear you, and I remember too.
Fans didn’t stop there. The moment he ran out to right field, many turned their backs on him in unison. It was a pointed, theatrical display aimed at the star they hoped would remain a Bronx staple. Yankees fans had envisioned Soto permanently hitting ahead of Aaron Judge, forming a modern-day Ruth-Gehrig dynamic. But after one powerhouse season and a trip to the World Series, Soto opted to take his talents across town for a record-setting $765 million deal.
Mets manager Carlos Mendoza had predicted the emotional storm. “I talked to him a couple of days ago and he’s ready. He knows what’s coming. He’s just got to enjoy it, embrace it and be himself,” Mendoza shared before the game.
The Yankees reportedly offered $760 million over 16 years, but Soto felt a deeper sense of appreciation from Mets owner Steve Cohen, who threw in personal security, a luxury suite, and premium seating for his family.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone took the high road: “It’ll be interesting. I’m sure there’ll be some creativity in there… I just want everyone to come and have a good time and be safe and not take things too far.”
The Mets and Yankees both lead their divisions, and with five more games left in the Subway Series, this cross-town rivalry has more than just standings at stake. It’s about loyalty, pride, and a fanbase that never forgets.
Also Read: Juan Soto expects cold welcome from Yankees fans after making a Subway Series decision few saw coming, says "Whatever they do..."
Juan Soto experiences a rare Yankee Stadium moment
As expected, Juan Soto wasn’t exactly welcomed with open arms. Yankees fans, still stung by his departure, erupted into some of the loudest boos heard in the Bronx in years when he stepped to the plate. Yet, in a baffling twist of emotion, those same fans also rose to their feet to offer a standing ovation—one laced with sarcasm, nostalgia, and maybe a touch of reluctant respect. Soto responded with grace, tipping his helmet and gently placing it over his heart, a gesture that said, I hear you, and I remember too.
Juan Soto tips his helmet to the Yankee Stadium crowd ahead of his first time up. #RivalryWeekend pic.twitter.com/IXTHzInzC2
— MLB (@MLB) May 16, 2025
Fans didn’t stop there. The moment he ran out to right field, many turned their backs on him in unison. It was a pointed, theatrical display aimed at the star they hoped would remain a Bronx staple. Yankees fans had envisioned Soto permanently hitting ahead of Aaron Judge, forming a modern-day Ruth-Gehrig dynamic. But after one powerhouse season and a trip to the World Series, Soto opted to take his talents across town for a record-setting $765 million deal.
Mets manager Carlos Mendoza had predicted the emotional storm. “I talked to him a couple of days ago and he’s ready. He knows what’s coming. He’s just got to enjoy it, embrace it and be himself,” Mendoza shared before the game.
Juan Soto returns to right field at Yankee Stadium #RivalryWeekend pic.twitter.com/7t50ejkAzm
— MLB (@MLB) May 16, 2025
The Yankees reportedly offered $760 million over 16 years, but Soto felt a deeper sense of appreciation from Mets owner Steve Cohen, who threw in personal security, a luxury suite, and premium seating for his family.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone took the high road: “It’ll be interesting. I’m sure there’ll be some creativity in there… I just want everyone to come and have a good time and be safe and not take things too far.”
The Mets and Yankees both lead their divisions, and with five more games left in the Subway Series, this cross-town rivalry has more than just standings at stake. It’s about loyalty, pride, and a fanbase that never forgets.
Also Read: Juan Soto expects cold welcome from Yankees fans after making a Subway Series decision few saw coming, says "Whatever they do..."
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