Fri May 16 23:10:00 UTC 2025: ## Soto Braces for Hostile Bronx Return as Mets-Yankees Series Ignites

**NEW YORK, NY** – Juan Soto is steeling himself for a potentially raucous reception as he prepares to return to Yankee Stadium for the first time since signing a record-breaking 15-year, $765 million contract with the New York Mets this offseason. The highly anticipated three-game series between the division-leading Mets and Yankees kicks off Friday night, and all eyes will be on the former Yankee outfielder.

“It’s going to be 50,000 against one,” Soto told the New York Post, acknowledging the likely hostile atmosphere. “They’re going to try to get on me, you know. It’s part of it. Whatever they do, they have a right to do it.”

Soto, who rejected a 16-year, $760 million offer from the Yankees after a World Series loss last year, insists he has no regrets about his decision to join the Mets. “I made a decision, and I’m happy that I made it,” he stated. “You look around. We have an unbelievable team. And it’s going to be a good team for a long time.”

While Soto is hitting .255 with eight home runs and 20 RBIs for the Mets, the Yankees have been busy bolstering their roster with the money they didn’t spend on Soto. They’ve added starting pitcher Max Fried, seven-time All-Star first baseman Paul Goldschmidt, and two-time All-Star outfielder Cody Bellinger. These additions complement six-time All-Star outfielder Aaron Judge, who leads the major leagues with a .412 batting average, 15 home runs, and 41 RBIs.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone anticipates an exciting weekend series. “I think it’ll be really exciting for the fan bases, especially all that’s going on in New York right now with the Knicks hopefully on the verge of a series win and us playing the Mets and all that goes with that,” Boone said.

Despite the potential for a hostile welcome, Soto is looking forward to the experience. “It’s going to be good,” he said. “We’re going to have a good time.”

The Mets, who reached the NLCS last year, have held first place in the division since April 11th and are 6-3 in their last nine games. The series promises high stakes and intense rivalry as the two New York teams battle for supremacy.

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