The honeymoon phase didn’t last long. Juan Soto’s highly anticipated debut with the Mets was supposed to be the start of something special—a superstar stepping into the spotlight of Queens, ready to justify his record-setting $765 million contract. Instead, just a few games in, the noise is already deafening. His slow start has sparked debates, fueled rivalries, and given Yankees fans a little too much joy at Mets fans’ expense.

It’s the classic New York sports script: Build someone up, tear them down, then see if they can handle the pressure. Soto isn’t just playing baseball—he’s fighting expectations and criticism, and an anonymous scout who labeled him the “most overrated player.” The Bronx faithful, once enamored with Soto’s elite bat, wasted no time flipping the script now that he’s wearing the wrong shade of blue.

“If Juan Soto had gotten a base hit, every Mets fan would have been all over the Yankees,” said WFAN’s Chris McMonigle, summing up the tensions surrounding Soto’s move across town. As expected, Yankee fans rejoiced and had a great time during the game by teasing Mets supporters about Soto’s initial difficulties on the field.

Apparently, he received all the hype during the offseason, but when the moment came, he couldn’t deliver. He began the game with a bang by hitting a home run in his first at-bat against the Astros in spring training. However as the game progressed Soto faced a pivotal late game moment where he struck out against Astros closer Josh Hader which ultimately resulted in a loss for the Mets.

This first appearance wasn’t just about Sotos show—it was about the pressure of living up as a player, in New York City. And in a city divided by baseball loyalty, every move he makes will be viewed through the lens of an age-old rivalry.

The rivalry between the Yankees and the Mets has never just been about their rankings in the league. It’s also about claiming territory and boasting rights. All too frequently, about heartache too. When a player jumps from one borough to the other, the scrutiny intensifies tenfold. And with Soto, there’s no middle ground—he’s either a generational talent or the most overrated hitter, depending on who you ask.

Of course, this isn’t the first time Juan Soto has faced skepticism. A recent anonymous scout even compared him unfavorably to former outfielder Brian Giles, arguing that his offensive numbers are propped up by analytics rather than true impact.

But let’s be real—since when is a .285/.421/.532 career slash line is something to scoff at? The Mets didn’t shell out three-quarters of a billion dollars for an on-base machine; they paid for a game-changer, and that’s exactly what Soto has been throughout his career.

Pressure in Queens: Can Juan Soto silence the critics?

New York isn’t exactly known for its patience. The moment Juan Soto put on a Mets jersey, the expectations skyrocketed—every at-bat, every swing, every facial expression now under a microscope. A slow start? That’s fuel for the skeptics. A couple of hitless games? Suddenly, that $765 million contract feels a little heavier. But here’s the thing—Soto has been here before.

He’s thrived under postseason lights, delivered clutch performances, and silenced doubters time and time again. At just 20 years old, Juan Soto was thrown into the fire of the 2019 World Series, facing the Astros, stacked with elite pitching. Many questioned whether he could handle the pressure of baseball’s biggest stage. The doubts lingered—until Soto silenced them in emphatic fashion. Not only did he hit .333 in the series, but he also launched three home runs and drove in seven RBIs, proving he was built for the moment.

So why should this be any different?

Because this is Queens, not the Bronx. Because Yankees fans, once singing his praises, are now relishing every Mets fan’s frustration. Or is it because when you sign the biggest contract in baseball history, the spotlight doesn’t just follow you—it burns? But the fact is that Juan Soto isn’t some unproven prospect drowning in expectations. He has won the World Series before, earned the Silver Slugger award three times, and is known as a standout hitter across generations. This is not his first time dealing with pressure, and it certainly won’t be the last.

In the end, the real test isn’t just about bouncing back; it’s about owning the moment, proving that Citi Field is his new kingdom, and reminding everyone why the Mets bet their future on him.