Juan Soto’s return to Yankee Stadium on Tuesday was met with a rare standing jeer from the crowd, a stark contrast to the warm welcome he had grown accustomed to during his time with the team. The 27-year-old outfielder, who turned down a 16-year, $760 million offer from the Yankees for a record 15-year, $765 million contract with New York’s crosstown rivals in December, wore bright orange wristbands as he faced off against his former team.
Tension in the Air
The tension surrounding Soto’s return was palpable as he took the field for his first game back at Yankee Stadium since signing with the Mets. Despite being ready for this moment—"I talked to him a couple of days ago and he’s ready. He knows what’s coming"—he struggled at the plate in his first game back.
- In three of his first four plate appearances, Soto walked without reaching base.
- The Bleacher Creatures’ disdain was evident when many turned their backs on him as he jogged out onto right field in the bottom of the first inning.
Glimpses of Brilliance
However, there were moments where Soto showed glimpses of why New York fans once clamored for him. In eighth inning action, when Cody Bellinger hit an inning-ending flyout, Soto caught it and tossed a ball into the seats, earning some applause from those watching.
Current Performance and Future Outlook
The intensity surrounding Juan Soto is heightened this year due largely to the news storylines surrounding him over the last couple of years. His performance has not yet met expectations this season. "So far this year [he has been] not quite where we want him yet — still working through some things," said Soto.
Mets manager Buck Showalter commented on the team’s current situation, stating, "We’re just taking it one day at a time. We’re going through some stuff right now but we’re trying not to make too much out of it."
Despite struggling at times during spring training and early regular season play, Showalter emphasized that there are no plans to extend or rework any current deals beyond their current terms.
Looking Ahead
For now, fans will have to wait and see how Juan Soto performs on Wednesday against Baltimore before they can start making judgments about whether or not they made a mistake by letting him go. "I think people will be able to give us more feedback tomorrow,” added Showalter.
It remains unclear if any other players may be targeted by the front office ahead of free agency next offseason. "I don’t know what happens next offseason,” Showalter said. "It depends on how everything goes."
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