Bronx, New York. Juan Soto’s return to Yankee Stadium was filled with mixed emotions.
In his first appearance as a visitor since leaving the Yankees, the Dominican outfielder was greeted with boos and some applause, setting the tone for the night.
Far from being intimidated, Soto responded with a smile, demonstrating composure under the pressure of the Bronx. When the applause sounded, the slugger raised his helmet and bowed.
In his first at-bat against his former teammate Carlos Rodón, Soto saw five pitches and drew a walk. The boos didn’t cease throughout the entire at-bat, but the Mets outfielder remained unfazed.
In the bottom of the first inning, in right field, the boos intensified. The scene was repeated: massive rejection from the stands, but also some scattered applause.
The contract that changed history
Soto left the Yankees in the offseason, signing a historic 15-year, $765 million deal with the New York Mets. He rejected the 16-year, $760 million offer proposed by his then-team, a decision that still resonates deeply among the Bronx faithful.
The noise was comparable to what he faced last year in San Diego. But this time, the emotional context was different: Soto was not only returning to a former home, but to the broken hearts of thousands of fans.
