ESPN: “I don’t mind,” Juan Soto discusses possible jeers during the next Yankees series.

For the first time since joining the Mets in free agency this offseason, Juan Soto will be returning to Yankee Stadium.

In his one season with the New York Yankees, Juan Soto helped them win the World Series in 2024. The 26-year-old right fielder ultimately agreed to a $765 million contract with the New York Mets in free agency, despite the Yankees’ hopes of signing him to a long-term agreement throughout the summer.

When the Mets start a three-game series at Yankee Stadium on Friday, Soto is getting ready to play his old team for the first time since deciding to join the crosstown rivals.

Soto expressed his excitement for the forthcoming Subway Series to media. Interestingly, MLB.com’s Anthony DiComo on X says he’s more eager for the crowd. “I don’t mind,” Soto stated when informed that he may receive harsh responses from Yankees fans, including a lot of jeering and worse.

When the Mets enter Yankee Stadium, Juan Soto is prepared to lead them.

In 2024, the four-time All-Star had a stellar first campaign with the Yankees. In 157 games, he had a.989 OPS, 7.9 bWAR, and 41 home runs. Soto won his sixth Silver Slugger award and was in third in the MVP vote.

Naturally, his colleague Aaron Judge, who led the majors in several offensive metrics like as home runs (58), RBI (144), OPS (1.159), and bWAR (10.8), was named AL MVP the previous season. Soto had a rough start with his new team, but Judge is headed for another incredible season.

Some called Soto a letdown because of his poor start. He has subsequently heated up, though. The great free agent acquisition to the Mets is killing it. eight home runs, twenty RBI, thirty-one runs scored, and a 144 OPS+ in forty-three games (255/.380/.465).

Soto and the Mets are back on track thanks to his comeback at the plate. With a 28-16 record, New York now leads baseball in victories. In the NL East, they are 2.5 games ahead of the Philadelphia Phillies, who are in second place.

The Yankees are performing well as well. They lead the Toronto Blue Jays by 3.5 games and are in first place in the division with a 25-18 record. Additionally, Judge’s stats are in line with Barry Bonds’ finest year.

Even though both New York clubs are ahead in the division, Yankees supporters will have more on the line on Friday. After spending a season in the Bronx, the fan base undoubtedly took it personally when Soto decided to play for the Mets instead of the Yankees. When Soto returns to Yankee Stadium, the crowd will allow him to hear it. And Soto is anticipating each and every last boo.