The New York Yankees and New York Mets have always been bitter rivals. Although they do not play in the same league, their home stadiums are only 20 minutes away, which has led to animosity between the fan bases. This was a great series to play during rivalry weekend and will likely remain in that spot for many seasons. But Juan Soto added intrigue to this year’s Subway Series.
Last season, he dominated for the Yankees, helping lead them to the World Series. But this offseason, he signed a 15-year contract with the Mets. Soto was booed during all of his at-bats this past weekend, as the Yankees fans have seemingly forgotten everything he did for them last year.
Soto Wanted to Stay with the Yankees
According to Fireside Yankees, Yankees announcer Michael Kay said, “People in the know say that Juan Soto wanted to be a Yankee. He chose the Yankees. But his family wanted him to be a Met, so he chose the Mets.”
"People in the know say that Juan Soto wanted to be a Yankee. He chose the Yankees. But his family wanted him to be a Met so he chose the Mets"
-Michael Kay
🧐#Yankees pic.twitter.com/mpYVwrAcHV
— Fireside Yankees (@FiresideYankees)
This is quite surprising news, as it was reported that the Yankees gave Soto a competitive offer, yet he decided to sign with the Mets for slightly more money.
There is no question that Soto is having an underwhelming start to his Mets career. He is hitting .246 with eight home runs and 20 RBIs. He is still walking a lot, with 37 walks to 33 strikeouts, but the Mets are hoping for more production sooner rather than later.
What should concern the Mets and their fans is Soto’s body language. He is not hustling and seems disinterested at times.
Juan Soto obviously should have hustled here. Not sure what he was thinking. pic.twitter.com/xyoDdbU4Py
— Ben Yoel (@Ben_Yoel)
Maybe Soto is still trying to get comfortable with his new surroundings, but the Mets hope the player they gave the largest contract in MLB history to shows up soon. Soto will likely be a Met the rest of his career, so being comfortable in this clubhouse will be paramount.
Mets Playing with High Expectations
After making the NLCS last season, there is no question the Mets have World Series expectations this year. Soto adds that type of pressure, and the Mets seem to have very few weaknesses, at least to begin the year.
Their starting pitching has performed well, which was the most significant question mark coming into the season. The Mets have the lowest team ERA in baseball at 2.93. All five of the Mets’ starters have ERAs under 3.80, one of the league’s most impressive stats. It will be interesting to see how Soto reacts to his early-season struggles and if he can turn in another MVP season like we have seen in the past.