It was one of those nights where drama wasn’t just expected—it was inevitable.
Juan Soto, once the pride of Yankees fans, made his highly anticipated return to the Bronx on Friday night, but this time he was wearing a Mets jersey.
And let’s just say, the reception was anything but warm.
Once a Yankee hero, Soto was met with jeers, boos, and even a public display of disdain that had fans literally turning their backs on him.
That’s how deep the betrayal felt after his blockbuster $765 million move across town.
From Beloved to Booed
Soto, a four-time All-Star and a key figure in the Yankees’ World Series run last season, caused an uproar when he left the team during the offseason.
His decision to jump ship to their crosstown rivals, the Mets, didn’t sit well with Yankees faithful—and they made sure he knew it.
As soon as Soto’s name was announced at Yankee Stadium, the crowd erupted—not in cheers, but in furious boos.
The noise only intensified when he stepped up to the plate as the Mets’ second batter in the first inning.
Soto, cool as ever, responded with a sarcastic tip of his helmet—his way of acknowledging the hostility.
A Viral Moment in Right Field
The tension didn’t stop there. After a quiet first inning for the Mets, Soto took his position in right field.
That’s when hundreds of Yankees fans stood up and turned their backs on him in unison—a symbolic protest that quickly spread across social media.
Caught off guard, Soto glanced toward the crowd with a mix of shock and amusement.
He smiled, even pointed to the stands, perhaps recognizing just how personal this moment had become for his former fans.
A Forgettable Night at the Plate
Soto’s return wasn’t just emotionally charged—it was also a tough night statistically.
The Mets fell 6-2 to the Yankees, and Soto’s own performance was relatively subdued.
He drew three walks, all from Yankees pitcher Carlos Rodon, but otherwise couldn’t make much noise, grounding out once and flying out in another at-bat.
For a player used to delivering fireworks, this outing was more of a sparkler than a full-blown display.
No Regrets from Soto
Despite the chilly reception and his quiet night, Soto didn’t seem rattled ahead of the series.
Earlier in the week, he shrugged off the idea of facing hostility from Yankees fans.
“I don’t mind,” he told reporters on Wednesday, sounding completely unfazed by the drama awaiting him.
Although his start in Queens hasn’t exactly been red-hot—he’s hitting .255 with eight home runs in 43 games—Soto’s shown signs of heating up in May.
In fact, he’s posted a scorching 1.077 OPS in his last 12 games, just in time for this high-stakes Subway Series.
Calm Under Pressure
Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns praised Soto’s ability to stay level-headed, no matter the moment.
“He’s always the same guy,” Stearns told The Athletic.
“He prepares consistently, stays centered, and never lets the moment get too big. That’s what makes him special.”
And that mental toughness will be key as he navigates this emotional chapter in his career.
Mets and Yankees Both Thriving
Interestingly, both teams have done well since Soto’s headline-making switch.
The Yankees, who were last year’s American League champs, haven’t missed a beat.
They’re leading the AL East with a 25-18 record, thanks in part to Aaron Judge, who’s playing at an MVP level with a .412 batting average and 15 homers.
On the other side of the city, the Mets have been even better.
With a 28-16 record, they’re just a half-game behind the Dodgers, proving that Soto’s move might just be paying off for both sides.
The Subway Series Is Just Getting Started
Soto got the night off on Wednesday before the Mets dropped a game to the Pirates.
But make no mistake—he was in the lineup Friday, ready to face the crowd and the team he left behind.
The atmosphere? Electric. The stakes? High. And the story? Far from over.
The Subway Series continues, and so does Juan Soto’s complicated relationship with Yankee Stadium.