Juan Soto Returns to Yankee Stadium: Bitter Reception and Player Reaction
Juan Soto’s return to Yankee Stadium was marked by an unusual reception. The fans stood up to boo him, an uncommon reaction that the player responded to with a gesture of respect, removing his helmet and touching his heart.
Soto, who rejected an offer from the Yankees to sign a record contract with the Mets, was the center of attention in the Bronx. He wore bright orange wristbands, visible from any seat.
“I spoke with him a couple of days ago and he’s ready. He knows what’s coming. He just has to enjoy it, embrace it, and be himself,” commented Mets manager Carlos Mendoza.
Carlos Mendoza, Mets Manager
On his return, Soto had a discreet night. He received walks in his first three at-bats, scoring thanks to a single by Brandon Nimmo in the fourth inning. In the seventh, he hit a ground ball, and in the last at-bat, a fly ball that ended the game.
When Soto went to right field in the first inning, several fans turned their backs on him. After catching a fly ball from Cody Bellinger in the eighth inning and throwing the ball into the stands, a fan threw it back onto the field, drawing cheers.
Faced with the Mets’ disadvantage, owner Steve Cohen left his second-row seat in the seventh inning.
Yankees fans wanted Soto to stay on their team, batting before Aaron Judge. New York acquired him from San Diego in December 2023, and he helped the team reach the World Series for the first time since 2009.
Both teams lead their divisions entering the six-game Subway Series matchups this season. The Yankees are atop the American League East with a 26-18 record, while the Mets lead the National League East at 28-17.
“This year is unique because of all the news and stories about Juan in recent years, so you understand that the intensity increases,” said Yankees manager Aaron Boone.
Aaron Boone, Yankees Manager
Soto arrived at the game with a batting average of .255, eight home runs, 20 RBIs and an OPS of .845 in 43 games, down from his .313 average, nine home runs, 34 RBIs and an OPS of .947 in the same number of games last year.
Last year, Soto batted .288 with 41 home runs, 109 RBIs, and 129 walks. Batting second in the order, ahead of Judge, he formed a duo comparable to Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig. Soto hit a home run to take the lead in the first game of the American League Championship Series against Cleveland and a three-run home run in the tenth inning that won the championship against the Guardians in Game 5.
“Juan obviously was only here for a year, but what he was able to do and what he meant to the team last year was huge,” said pitcher Clay Holmes.
Clay Holmes, Pitcher
Soto received his first boos approximately an hour and 40 minutes before, when he went to right field during batting practice.
With Juan Soto’s return to Yankee Stadium, the rivalry between the New York teams intensifies.
