In an exciting turn of events, Juan Soto made his much-anticipated return to Yankee Stadium on Saturday, marking his first visit back to his former home since joining the New York Mets. This encounter came during Game 1 of the heated Rivalry Weekend series against the New York Yankees. Despite the fervor surrounding his return, Soto's old team emerged victorious with a decisive 6-1 win, providing Yankee fans an opportunity to express their feelings towards the former star player.
As expected, Soto was prepared for the intense reception he would face in the Bronx. Fans eagerly jeered at him both when he stepped up to the plate and while he was in the field. True to his character, when Soto made a catch at the warning track, he humorously tossed a baseball into the crowd, acknowledging the hostile atmosphere. Despite the challenging circumstances and his team's struggles, Soto managed a respectable performance, going 0-for-2 at the plate with three walks while contributing to the Mets' lone run through a Brandon Nimmo RBI single.
Juan Soto's journey with the Yankees was brief yet impactful. He played just one season for the team in 2024 after being traded from the San Diego Padres. During his time with the Yankees, he showcased his talent by hitting an impressive .288/.419/.569, smashing 41 home runs and driving in 109 RBIs. His remarkable performance was instrumental in leading the Yankees to the World Series that season. Following this success, Soto signed a staggering 15-year, $765 million contract with the Mets during the offseason, solidifying his position as a key player in the ongoing cross-town rivalry.
Since joining the Mets, Soto has been a consistent presence on the field. As of now, he is hitting .255/.380/.465 with eight home runs and 20 RBIs through his first 43 games. While his statistics are not quite at the level they were last year, his contributions have played a vital role in helping the Mets achieve a strong 28-17 start to the season. In comparison, the Yankees have also had a solid beginning, currently sitting at 26-18. The Yankees will undoubtedly savor their victory over Soto and the Mets as a satisfying win against a former ally.
Juan Soto's return to Yankee Stadium has reignited the passion of baseball fans, highlighting the fierce rivalry between the Yankees and the Mets. As both teams continue to vie for dominance in the league, Soto's presence will undoubtedly keep the excitement alive throughout the season. Fans can anticipate more thrilling matchups as this rivalry unfolds, with Soto at the center of it all.
