The first “F—k Juan Soto” chants arrived at 6:51 p.m., when the Mets slugger ran out from the dugout to begin pregame stretching.
It would not be the last unkind chant.
Yankees fans were merciless, drowning the superstar in boos before his name was even announced as he strolled to the plate in his first game back in The Bronx.
A fan gives two thumbs down as New York Mets outfielder Juan Soto (22) bats during the first inning on Friday night.Robert Sabo for NY Post
New York Mets outfielder Juan Soto (22) greets the fans before his at-bat in the first inning o
Fans react as New York Mets’ Juan Soto makes his way to right field during the first inning.AP
Juan Soto before his first game in Yankee Stadium as a member of the Mets on May 16, 2025.Corey Sipkin for the NY POST
A Yankees fan wears an an anti-Juan Soto shirt.Corey Sipkin for the NY POST
If anyone were cheering, they were not heard as Soto — classic Soto — drew a walk. Even while on base, the “F—k Juan Soto” scream continued.
So began Soto’s much-anticipated return to his former home, a venue in which Soto himself knew he would not be welcome.
Soto is a rarity in just about all ways, including the manner of his exit. When the Yankees want a player — particularly a superstar — they nearly always get him.
Yet 16 years and $760 million was not a strong enough offer for Soto, who traded boroughs for 15 years, $765 million and every perk Steve Cohen could throw in.
The fans in the New York Yankees bleachers react to New York Mets outfielder Juan Soto (22) on the field.Corey Sipkin for the NY POST
Yankees fans let Soto hear it on Friday night.Corey Sipkin for the NY POST
Juan Soto talks with Aaron Boone before the Subway Series game.Corey Sipkin for the NY POST
So even after a magical, if unfulfilled, 2024 season, Yankees fans were angry.
Soto enjoyed the best season of his career last year, was the club’s best hitter in October and crushed the home run in Cleveland that sent the Yankees to the World Series.
The good memories, though, had evaporated by the time Soto chose the Mets, a team he said had a brighter future than the Yankees.
