Juan Soto Expecting Hostile Reception from Yankees Fans During Return to Bronx Following $765 Million Deal with NY Mets

Juan Soto shattered MLB records after signing the 15-year, $765 million deal with the New York Mets in December 2024.

Juan Soto Expecting Hostile Reception from Yankees Fans During Return to Bronx Following $765 Million Deal with NY Mets

Juan Soto (Image via MLB)

Ever since Juan Soto penned down the enormous $765 million deal with the New York Mets, fans have been eager to see him return to the Bronx and face the New York Yankees. The time has finally come as the Mets will take on their crosstown rivals this weekend at the Yankee Stadium. The 4-time MLB All-Star is expecting a hostile reception upon his return.

Soto joined the Yankees in December 2023 through a trade from the San Diego Padres. He would become an instant fan favorite in the Bronx as he showcased his impressive talents. In 2024, the Dominican international smashed 41 home runs in the regular season and played an important part in the team’s first World Series trip since 2009.

After some intense speculation during the preseason, Soto chose the Mets instead of the Yankees. This move of his drew wild reactions from fans with several of them burning the No.22 jersey he wore at the Yankees.

While speaking with the New York Post’s Jon Heyman regarding his return to Yankee Stadium, the 26-year-old knows he is not going to be welcomed by the fans.

It’s going to be 50,000 against one. They’re going to try to get on me, you know. It’s part of it. Whatever they do, they have a right to do it.

While if joining the Mets was not enough, Soto sparked more controversy and anger among Yankees fans when he labeled New York as “Mets town.” Several fans bashed him online. Meanwhile, top sportscaster Rich Eisen blasted him for this take and urged him to “get out of here.”

Juan Soto speaks on his move to Mets ahead of clash against the Yankees

This Friday night will mark the return of Juan Soto to Yankee Stadium. It will be his first appearance here since leaving them and joining the New York Mets on a mega deal. Ahead of this matchup, Soto opened up about his move to them.

Juan Soto
Juan Soto (Image via CNN)

While speaking with NY Post, the outfielder expressed that he is still adjusting to his new team. However, he admitted that he has no regrets regarding his decision to join the Mets and leave the Yankees.

No, no. I made a decision, and I’m happy that I made it. You look around. We have an unbelievable team. And it’s going to be a good team for a long time.

Following a slow start, Soto has gotten back in form. In the 43 games he has played this season, he has managed to hit 8 home runs and has 20 RBI while batting at a .255 average. Meanwhile, the Mets have been flying high so far and have the 2nd best record in the league at 28-16.

MLB analyst boldly predicts Juan Soto to homer in first at-bat against Yankees

As the MLB’s first-ever Rivalry Week gets closer, the excitement among fans keeps rising. This week will see the Yankees take on the Mets in a 3-game Subway Series at Yankee Stadium. With the spotlight likely going to be on Juan Soto, an MLB analyst has predicted that he will homer in his first at-bat on return.

Juan Soto
Juan Soto (Image via NY Post)

In the first game of the series, Soto will go up against Carlos Rodon, a pitcher against whom his record is not that great. While discussing his return to the Bronx on Baseball Night in New York, analyst Emmanuel Berbari expressed that Soto will homer as this will be a big stage.

I hate to break it to Yankee fans, Juan Soto is homering in his first at-bat. Carlos Rodon, I don’t care what you do. Rodon could execute perfectly on the outside corner—that ball is going into the left-center field bullpen... They saw it all of last year: when the stage is biggest, grandest, Juan Soto comes through.

Mets fans would be hoping for Berbari’s prediction to come true. The two teams are top of their respective divisions at the moment and will be looking to extend their leads even further while damaging the record of the other in the process.

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