“I’m Not F*ckin’ Leaving”: Juan Soto Soaks in Yankees Road Trip Adulation as MLB World Decides His Future

The roar of the Angel Stadium crowd echoed Juan Soto’s sentiment as he threw his hands up in jubilation after a stellar performance Thursday night. A fan’s comment on social media captured the moment perfectly: “I think we just witnessed the moment he told himself, “I’m not f*ckin leaving.”” This electric scene, shared by Jomboy Media’s Max Mannis, paints a vivid picture of Soto’s growing bond with the New York Yankees.

Soto’s on-field performance backs up the fan’s assertion. With two walks and three RBIs in Thursday’s game against the Los Angeles Angels, which included a bases-loaded triple in the seventh inning, the Childish Bambino has been ragingly showcasing his offensive prowess. His May statistics are even more impressive—24 RBIs that contribute to a season total of 49, tied for second in MLB with the Atlanta Braves’ Marcell Ozuna.

But Juan Soto’s impact goes beyond personal statistics. Alongside Aaron Judge, he’s been proven to form a historic duo. Entering today’s game against the San Francisco Giants, the pair has now become the first teammates in MLB history to each record 40+ walks and 15+ home runs before June, as per OptaSTATS—that too after their combined power propelled the Yankees to the top of the AL East, boasting the best record (39-19) and run differential (+97) in the league. Soto’s career experience as a whole only adds another dimension to this potent mix.

The 25-year-old outfielder has already managed to clinch a World Series title with the Washington Nationals in 2019, a feat that Judge—despite his five All-Star appearances, an AL MVP status, and numerous accolades—has yet to achieve. This blend of raw talent and championship experience could be the key to unlocking the Bombers’ playoff aspirations.

Despite Gerrit Cole’s absence from the rotation, the Yankees’ pitching staff has been holding its ground, leading MLB in ERA (2.77) and opponent’s BA (.209). The offense, fueled by Aaron Judge, Juan Soto, and Anthony Volpe, has been firing on all cylinders, making the team a force to be terrified of and reckoned with.

With his free agency period nearing and uncertain contract talks, Soto’s future remains a mystery, as of now. However, his visible joy and the crowd’s enthusiastic response at Angel Stadium suggest a mutual affection growing between Soto and the Yankees faithful. As for the Angels, their performance against this surging Yankees team has left fans with mixed reactions.

Fans react to a love affair brewing between Bronx and Juan Soto

The video of Soto basking in the Yankees’ road game atmosphere has ignited a firestorm of fan reactions. “Hal you SOB you better sign this guy,” exclaimed one enthusiastic follower, highlighting the growing sentiment that Soto’s chemistry with the team and the fans is all but undeniable.

“Soto is LOVING being a Yank it’s not even funny. He should sign an extension there for 45 yrs!!,” another fan passionately tweeted, his sentiment echoing the widespread (and, should I dare say, very reasonable) belief that Soto has found a true home in New York—a place where his passion and talent are not only embraced but reverently celebrated as well. However, not all fans are focused on Soto’s potential future with the Yankees.

One fan pointed out the unique atmosphere at Angel Stadium, suggesting that “The entire business strategy of Arte is to have games in sunny California and try to make it a nice experience for fans of other teams or casual fans to have a night out. Basically the model the A’s want in Vegas. Apart from that I wouldn’t expect as much away fan love elsewhere.” This comment raises questions about whether Juan Soto’s on-road experience would be replicated in other ballparks, taking the Halos’ owner Arte Moreno’s publicizing strategies into consideration.

Despite this, the overwhelming majority of Yankee faithfuls seem to be on board with Soto as a Yankee for the long haul. “One of the rare times you can see someone is born to be a Yankees he’s never experience this type of love in Washington or San Diego…. Cashman get it f*cking done bro and Hal stop being a b*tch write the check..,” a passionate fan demanded, urging the Bombers’ management to secure the slugger’s future with the team ASAP.

The sentiment was echoed by another fan, who simply stated, “You can’t teach passion. Blank check for a lifetime in the Bronx!” This comment perfectly encapsulates the belief that Soto’s emotional connection with the team and the fans is invaluable and should be prioritized by the Yankees’ front office. Whether they act on it or not will remain a question, and we will have to wait till free agency starts knocking at our doors for the answer to finally arrive.