Importance Score: 42 / 100 🔵
The highly anticipated return of Juan Soto to Yankee Stadium this weekend proved challenging, marked by relentless booing and on-field struggles.
Yankees Fans Unleash Fury on Juan Soto’s Return
The New York Mets outfielder, now commanding a $765 million contract, faced a barrage of disapproval upon his return to the Bronx. Fans had eagerly awaited the moment Soto, who once seemed destined to be a Yankee, would face his former team after opting to join their crosstown rivals.
‘F*** Juan Soto’ Chants Echo Through the Stadium
From Friday night onward, the Bleacher Creatures and the entire stadium were relentless, greeting Soto with chants of ‘F*** Juan Soto’ each time he took his position in right field. While Soto initially appeared unfazed, signs of mounting pressure emerged by Sunday.
Soto Aborts ESPN Mic-Up Amidst Bronx Backlash
ESPN had planned to provide unique insights during Sunday Night Baseball by miking up Soto for the bottom of the second inning. However, multiple reports indicate that Juan Soto withdrew from the arrangement at the last minute. Instead, Brandon Nimmo was featured live during that segment.
Tired of Yankees Questions: Soto’s Explanation
According to NJ.com, Soto reportedly told Mets officials he was “tired of answering questions about Yankees captain Aaron Judge and sick of explaining why he chose the Mets.”
Brief Exchange Between Soto and Judge
The only public interaction between Soto and Judge occurred before the Yankees’ 8-2 victory on Sunday night. Judge stated, “Just said hello to him, I hadn’t seen him all series. Just kind of wishing him the best…Kind of said, ‘Hey man, you’re the best in the game. Things like this are gonna happen, just keep playing your game.’ It was good to see him…But happy we were able to either walk him or not let him do any damage, especially in this series.”
On-Field Performance Fails to Silence Critics
Over the three-game series, Juan Soto managed just 1-for-10 with four walks, a performance that did little to quell the animosity from Yankees fans.
- Friday: Soto initially embraced the hostile environment, stating, “You’ve got to embrace it…At the end of the day, whatever they give you, it is what it is. You’ve got to be professional. You’ve got to take it like a man, and I was just enjoying the moment.”
- Sunday: By Sunday night, following his team’s series loss, Soto appeared eager to depart Yankee Stadium as quickly as possible.
Allegations of Disinterest and Lack of Hustle
NJ.com further reported that Soto told reporters he’d answer questions after seeing family outside the Mets’ locker room, but he did not return. The publication also suggested potential concerns within the Mets organization regarding Soto’s “lack of enthusiasm for his new team.”
Adding to the scrutiny, Soto faced criticism for an apparent lack of hustle during Sunday night’s game. In the eighth inning, with the score tied 2-2, Soto hit a ball that required a diving stop from second baseman DJ LeMahieu. However, Soto’s perceived lack of urgency in running to first base drew negative attention.
Looking Ahead: Soto’s Path to Redemption
Despite a tough series in the Bronx against the Yankees, Juan Soto and the Mets resume play against the Boston Red Sox. With eight home runs and 20 RBIs prior to the Fenway Park visit, Soto faces mounting pressure to elevate his performance and demonstrate his value to the Mets.