The love-hate tango of Yankees fans with Juan Soto. Once the sweetheart of Yankee Stadium, Soto faces Bronx jeers during the Yankees’ game Thursday against the Arizona Diamondbacks. The slugger’s transition from pinstripes to Mets blue sparked a firestorm among Yankees supporters.

Following fueling the Yankees’ playoff campaign in 2024, the superstar outfield player made news with a stunning $765 million contract to switch to the New York Mets. What followed was not only disappointment but also plain animosity. Yankees supporters yelled a loud, unified shout of “F— Juan Soto,” a moment that soon went viral around MLB.

Michael Kay, a long-time Yankee broadcaster on his radio show, never minced words. “We hear this silly banter back and forth about big brother, little brother. You know what that was yesterday, everybody? I hate to say it, and you’re not gonna like it. That was little brother nonsense.” Kay remarked, obviously disappointed by the audience’s actions.

He reminded supporters that this kind of reaction felt more in line with the behaviour expected of less historically successful teams and felt beneath the franchise tradition.

Kay’s comments connected with me since he advocated class rather than denouncing profanity. His advice is for Yankee supporters to keep themselves above average.

“Color me confused. I don’t get it, and it’s a bad look. It’s a bad, bad look. … I think it’s an awful, awful look by all of you. All of you! And I would have addressed it yesterday if I actually heard it through my headphones,” he said. But it was obvious that many of the boos falling from the bleachers were not in the right frame of mind for lecturing.

Juan Soto changed from Bronx royalty to Bronx outcast in a blink. His choice to sign with the Mets set a spark under a weak rivalry. Right now, it’s hot. Fans of the Yankees are enraged. The Mets are feeling more confident. And Soto? He is smiling, striking, and preparing for the commotion ahead—middle ground. One thing is sure, though—he will be heading into a maelstrom of his creating when he returns to Yankee Stadium. For better or worse, he has come to represent a new phase in New York baseball. Fasten your seat belt. Lately, the Subway Series has become personal.

Juan Soto’s bat speaks louder than boos

Yanks fans may shout as loudly as they want, but Juan Soto is smiling and showing what he is. He made a fantastic debut with the New York Mets on April 4, 2025. Driving in Francisco Lindor to widen the Mets’ lead to 3-0, Soto displayed his offensive ability in front of a sellout crowd 43,945 at Citi Field with a key RBI double in the sixth inning. His stolen base and strong defensive performance also helped the Mets’ 5-0 triumph over the Toronto Blue Jays.

This incredible performance underlined Soto’s immediate influence on his new club, supporting the Mets’ choice to spend an astounding $65 million on his talents. Juan Soto, Lindor, and Pete Alonso—who also struck a two-run homer in the game—embodied the vision of Mets owner Steve Cohen, who has spent over $1 billion to create this outstanding lineup.

Juan Soto’s choice to turn down the significant Yankees offer in favour of the Mets has heightened the competitiveness between the two clubs. Now stretched six games in the 2025 season, the forthcoming Subway Series looks more contentious than ever. On May 16–18, Yankee Stadium hosts the first three-game series; another set is set for Citi Field beginning July 4. With the present attitudes, Soto should expect a hostile welcome from Yankee supporters during these games. His current performance, nevertheless, points to his being more than ready to surpass the jeers and let his game speak for itself.

Along with fueling the fierce rivalry between the Mets and the Yankees, this increased hostility prepares the ground for one of the most expected and intensely felt Subway Series in recent memory. When pride, performance, and city dominance are all on the line, these showdowns are much awaited by fans from both sides.

With the high emotions and rivalry, can Juan Soto’s performance calm the Bronx jeers or fuel an even more controversial and memorable Subway Series?