In the thrilling conclusion of the 2024 baseball season, the Los Angeles Dodgers triumphed over the New York Yankees in Game 5 of the World Series, securing a championship amidst a sea of disappointed Yankees fans at a sold-out Yankee Stadium. Remarkably, even as the game concluded, fans were still purchasing Juan Soto No. 22 jerseys at the ballpark. This moment was particularly significant, as Soto had just entered free agency after being traded to the Yankees from the San Diego Padres, following a sensational trade from the Washington Nationals, the team that drafted him and with whom he celebrated a World Series victory in 2019.
Juan Soto made an immediate impact on the Yankees' fanbase. In 2024, he showcased his exceptional skills, finishing the season with a wRC+ score indicating he was 80% better than the average player at the plate. Playing alongside the towering Aaron Judge, Soto led the American League in runs scored, seamlessly fitting into the storied franchise. His return to the Fall Classic marked a significant moment, as it was his first since he was just 20 years old.
As the season wound down, Yankees fans eagerly bought jerseys, hoping to commemorate a summer in the Bronx. Some fans, particularly those from the Dominican Republic, pledged their support for Soto, no matter where he played. Others purchased the jerseys with a hopeful expectation that he would return to New York.
Fast forward to Friday night, and Juan Soto was indeed back in New York, but this time as a member of the New York Mets. As he roamed right field at Yankee Stadium, Soto playfully doffed his cap to the crowd, a gesture met with resounding boos from Yankees fans. Over the winter, the Mets signed Soto to a staggering 15-year, $765 million contract, making him the richest professional athlete in North America. This monumental signing was the culmination of the Mets’ transformation from a struggling team to serious contenders under the ownership of billionaire Steve Cohen.
Interestingly, Soto had the option to accept a lucrative 16-year deal worth $760 million from the Yankees, but ultimately chose to join the Mets instead. This decision raised questions about his loyalty to the Yankees, suggesting that perhaps his love for New York outweighed team allegiance.
Friday night marked the beginning of a highly anticipated Subway Series between the Mets and the Yankees, touted as one of the premier matchups of MLB’s inaugural Rivalry Weekend. For only the third time since the Subway Series began in 1997, both teams held first-place positions in their respective divisions, instilling a buzz of excitement among fans. While some anticipated a balanced crowd at Yankee Stadium, it became clear that Yankees fans dominated, showering Soto with boos at every at-bat.
As Soto took the field, fans turned their backs on him and hurled insults, a testament to the fierce rivalry. The once-prized jerseys became targets of mockery, with some fans creatively altering them to express their disdain. Despite the hostility, Soto maintained his composure, even tossing a ball into the stands, only to be met with cheers when it was thrown back.
Despite losing Soto to the Mets, the Yankees did not let it hinder their offseason plans. Instead of pursuing a high-profile star, they focused on filling roster gaps with strategic acquisitions, including left-handed pitcher Max Fried, closer Devin Williams, and former MVPs Paul Goldschmidt and Cody Bellinger. Fried has emerged as a key player, boasting the lowest ERA in baseball, a crucial asset for the Yankees as they cope with the absence of Cy Young winner Gerrit Cole.
Under new general manager David Stearns, the Mets have prioritized investing in position players while seeking value in pitching, leading to their impressive performance this season. Ironically, while the Yankees have started strong offensively, the Mets have excelled on the pitching front, showcasing the evolving dynamics of this intense rivalry.
Ultimately, the Yankees overpowered the Mets in a 6-2 victory that sent Yankees fans home satisfied, even as Soto managed to put together a commendable performance with three walks, a stolen base, and a run scored. Following the game, Soto reflected on the overwhelming boos he received, acknowledging it as a unique experience in his career. “You’ve got to embrace it at the end of the day,” he stated, hinting at the potential for a complex relationship with the Yankees moving forward.
This evolving narrative adds an exciting layer to the already heated rivalry between the Mets and Yankees. With the Subway Series reigniting, fans can look forward to a thrilling season ahead as both teams vie for supremacy in New York. The era of must-see Subway Series has indeed just begun.
