Yankees Manager Aaron Boone jokingly told Soto he looked "terrible" in a Mets uniform during their first meeting since Soto's move.
Soto received a mix of boos and cheers during his first at-bat against the Yankees as a Met in spring training.
Despite leaving the Yankees for a record 15-year, $765 million contract with the Mets, Soto maintains respect for his former team, calling Aaron Judge his "favorite hitter."
Why this matters: This interaction sets the stage for the highly anticipated Subway Series matchups during the regular season, adding personal narratives to the crosstown rivalry. Soto's performance and reception will be key storylines throughout the year.
Background: Juan Soto's move across town was one of the biggest stories of the MLB offseason. After helping lead the Yankees to success in 2024 (hitting .288 with 41 HRs), he signed the largest contract in professional sports history with the Mets.
The Reunion: The Mets hosted the Yankees for a spring training game which ended in a 6-6 tie, marking the first on-field meeting between Soto and his former club since the signing. Boone's lighthearted jab ("looks terrible in that uniform") and Soto's amused response ("it is what it is") highlighted the complex but seemingly friendly dynamic. Soto also made sure to catch up with several former teammates before the game.
Fan Reaction & Future: While Soto downplayed the boos at the spring training game in Port St. Lucie, acknowledging the cheers he received, both he and others anticipate a more intense reaction when the Mets visit Yankee Stadium in mid-May. Soto laughingly expects "the worst" from the notoriously passionate Yankees fanbase.
Soto's Spring: Soto completed a solid spring training, hitting .289 with a 1.049 OPS and four home runs, signaling his readiness for the season with his new team, which he described as "really loaded."
Q: When did Juan Soto leave the Yankees for the Mets?
Juan Soto signed with the Mets in December 2024 as a free agent after playing the 2024 season with the Yankees.
Q: What did Aaron Boone say to Juan Soto?
Yankees manager Aaron Boone jokingly told Soto, "he looks terrible in that uniform," referring to the Mets' colors, during their pregame chat.
Q: How did fans react to Soto playing against the Yankees?
During the spring training game, Soto received a mixed reaction, with both audible boos (presumably from Yankees fans) and cheers (presumably from Mets supporters).
The Subway Series this year will feature the added intrigue of Soto facing his immediate former team.
Expect intense fan reactions and media focus, especially when Soto plays in the Bronx for the first time as a Met.
Despite the fierce city rivalry, there appears to be underlying mutual respect between Soto and his former manager and teammates.
Based on his spring performance, Soto looks poised to make a significant impact for the Mets from Opening Day.
How do you think Yankees fans will *really* greet Juan Soto when he returns to the Bronx in May? Let us know!
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