Outfielder Juan Soto famously helped the New York Yankees reach the 2024 World Series in what became his only season with the storied club, as he ultimately accepted a 15-year, $765M contract from the New York Mets in free agency.
Predictably, Soto received a not-so-warm welcome back to the Bronx when the Mets played at the Yankees last season. The two clubs will open a three-game series at Yankee Stadium on Friday night, and it sounds like Soto knows what he’ll hear the first time he steps up to the plate.
Juan Soto appreciates that Yankees fans “are really passionate”
“I don’t think so,” Soto responded when recently asked by Mike Puma of the New York Post if he expects Yankees fans to treat him differently this weekend. “I think it’s going to be the same. I am not expecting less than that from Yankees fans. They are really passionate.”
Yankees fans have good reason to dunk on Soto regarding his relocation to Queens. While the 68-78 Mets will limp into Friday’s contest knowing they won’t be participating in the upcoming postseason tournament, the 84-62 Yankees could play multiple home games in October.
“Who knows?” Soto said when asked if he feels he’s hated by Yankees fans. “But they know I gave my best to them. Some of them appreciate it, some of them don’t. You can’t control that.”
Francisco Lindor reflects on the emotions of the day
Of course, the Mets and Yankees will open the three-game series on the anniversary of the terrorist attacks that devastated lower Manhattan on Sept. 11, 2001. Lindor featured for the Mets when the New York clubs played against each other on Sept. 11, 2021.
“The vibes, it’s almost like everybody comes together before the game,” Lindor said about participating in a Subway Series matchup held on 9/11. “It doesn’t matter whether it’s Yankees or Mets, and it feels really good. And then once the game starts, it becomes Yankees vs. Mets, which is really cool. I’m looking forward to it. It’s a special day for a lot of people, and hopefully we can put a smile on people’s faces with a great showing and remember the ones that fought for everybody. They are the ones that lost their lives that day. It’s a truly special day.”
Lindor added that the atmosphere at Yankee Stadium “should feel somewhat like October.” If nothing else, Soto may feel like he’s in a postseason environment each time he completes an at-bat this weekend.