As the Yankees and Mets prepare for their upcoming showdown, former Yankees star Juan Soto finds himself in the spotlight once again. Soto, who recently signed a record-breaking 15-year, $765 million contract with the Mets, is set to face his former team for the first time since his departure. Ahead of this anticipated matchup, Yankees manager Aaron Boone had some choice words for his former slugger.
During a lighthearted yet competitive exchange, Boone greeted Soto before a recent spring training game with a humorous but pointed remark. “You look terrible in that uniform,” Boone quipped, referring to Soto’s new Mets attire. While the comment was made in jest, it underscored the emotional and competitive tension surrounding Soto’s move from the Bronx to Queens.
Boone and Soto shared a strong relationship during the outfielder’s time with the Yankees, and the manager has been open about his admiration for Soto’s work ethic and impact. However, Boone also made it clear that his team is ready to compete, regardless of any past connections. The Yankees’ clubhouse has largely avoided any bitterness over Soto’s departure, instead focusing on preparing for a season in which they may have to contend with their former star in critical games.
Soto, for his part, has remained upbeat despite the mixed reactions from Yankees fans. During the Mets’ final Grapefruit League game, he reunited with former teammates and expressed gratitude for his time in New York. However, he also acknowledged the potential for hostility from Yankees fans when he returns to the Bronx for the regular season. “I’m expecting the worst,” Soto admitted, though he emphasized that he’s choosing to focus on the cheers rather than the boos.
The Yankees understand the danger of underestimating a player of Soto’s caliber. Boone and his team know that booing a superstar like Soto could only serve as motivation for him. The last thing the Yankees want is to wake a “sleeping bear,” as some within the organization have put it. Soto is one of the most dangerous hitters in baseball, and if his time in the Bronx taught them anything, it’s that he thrives in high-pressure situations.
Despite the rivalry between the Yankees and Mets, the respect between Boone and Soto remains strong. Boone acknowledged that while it was strange seeing Soto in Mets colors, it was good to catch up with him and reflect on what he brought to the Yankees during his tenure.
As the Yankees and Mets prepare for their first meeting of the season, the Soto storyline will continue to dominate headlines. Whether the Yankees’ fanbase embraces him or jeers him, one thing is certain: Juan Soto is ready to make his mark with the Mets, and the Yankees will have to be ready for whatever he brings to the table.