Juan Soto Faces Bronx Backlash: Mets’ $765M Star Booed During Yankee Stadium Homecoming

During the thrilling finale of the 2024 baseball season, the Los Angeles Dodgers triumphed over the New York Yankees, claiming the championship in front of a packed crowd at Yankee Stadium. Yet, even amidst the disappointment, Yankees fans were spotted buying Juan Soto jerseys, a decision that felt significant since Soto had just become a free agent.

Soto had made a splash in New York after being traded from the San Diego Padres. Before that, he’d been a star with the Washington Nationals, helping them win the World Series in 2019. He finished the 2024 season impressively, ranking 80% above average offensively and leading the American League in runs scored, thanks in part to Aaron Judge batting behind him. It seemed he was a perfect fit for the Yankees, reminiscent of his early career.

As the season faded, fans were eager to grab his pricey jersey. Some were of Dominican descent, ready to support their fellow countryman. Others sought a keepsake from a memorable summer. With the hopes of Soto returning, many felt their purchases were well-placed.

Fast-forward to the present, and Soto returned to Yankee Stadium wearing the Mets’ colors. As he approached the plate, he playfully tipped his cap, but the crowd responded with loud boos. This fierce reception came after the New York Mets signed him to a staggering 15-year, $765 million contract, making him the richest athlete in North America. The deal marked a shift for the Mets, who had transformed from underdogs to serious contenders under billionaire owner Steve Cohen.

Interestingly, Soto had turned down a 16-year deal from the Yankees worth $760 million. This decision highlighted not just financial factors but perhaps a deeper love for the game and the city.

The recent Subway Series ignited fierce competition, with both the Yankees and Mets leading their divisions. It had been quite some time since both teams had been in such strong positions, especially since their rivalry began in 1997. Fan expectations were sky-high.

On the night of Soto’s return, the crowd was electric, clearly favoring the Yankees. Whenever Soto came to bat, the boos were deafening. Fans even modified their purchases, adding cheeky phrases over Soto’s name on the jerseys. When he tossed a ball into the stands, the cheers were for the fan who threw it back.

Clay Holmes, a Yankee reliever, commented on the intense atmosphere, saying it added excitement to the game, making it worthwhile to play in such a charged environment.

On the flip side, the Yankees didn’t let Soto’s departure leave them in despair. They acquired key players like Max Fried and Devin Williams to bolster their roster. Fried, in particular, has been a standout with the lowest ERA in baseball, crucial for a team missing star pitcher Gerrit Cole.

In an ironic twist, despite losing Soto, the Yankees’ offense is thriving, while the Mets, with their hefty investment in hitting, boast a solid pitching rotation. In their recent matchup, the Yankees dominated the Mets in a 6-2 victory, leaving fans satisfied. Soto had a good game with three walks and a stolen base, even though it ended on a sour note for him.

As pre-game speculation grew about the expected boos for Soto, he shrugged it off, saying he was ready for the challenge. “You’ve got to embrace it at the end of the day,” he stated, indicating his awareness of the rivalry’s intensity.

If Soto’s new chapter with the Mets unfolds as planned, hopefully, the Yankees will be the only team he parts ways with under strained circumstances. This new dynamic adds an exciting layer to an already heated rivalry, marking the beginning of what many fans are calling the new era of the Subway Series.



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