The New York Yankees are prepared to meet the crosstown rival New York Mets on Friday when the Subway Series begins.
The greatest player on the Mets is returning to Yankee Stadium for the first time since leaving the Yankees, so this New York City game will be a bit different than previous years.
Juan Soto signed a record-breaking $765 million contract to join the Mets after leading the Bronx Bombers to the World Series this past October. Yankee supporters will probably greet Soto’s return with jeers and boos, even though both clubs appear to benefit from the deal and are now leading their respective divisions.
“While some might argue that Yankees fans should move on, after all, Soto’s departure likely led to the additions of Max Fried, Cody Bellinger and Paul Goldschmidt, a louder contingent will boo every time Soto ventures into right field, touches the ball or steps to the plate,” Andrew Tredinnick wrote for NorthJersey.com.
Tredinnick anticipates that the players, especially Yankees captain Aaron Judge, will have a different experience, even if the crowd response will be overwhelmingly negative.
“The blood might boil among fans, but players share an understanding that the right to choose your destination is earned,” he wrote. “Before the team’s opening matchup on Friday, Judge and Soto come together behind the batting cages and exchange a handshake and hug to help smooth over the transition.”
Almost every gesture made on and off the field will be closely examined since there are so many fascinating plotlines surrounding the forthcoming Subway Series. Let’s see whether Tredinnick’s prediction comes to pass. However, the two players’ actions will undoubtedly garner media attention.
