Since generational slugger Juan Soto left the New York Yankees on December 8 to sign a massive 15-year, $765 million contract with their National League rivals, the New York Mets, the 26-year-old has subtly and not-so-subtly taken jabs at his former team and Yankees fans.
Soto spent just one season at Yankee Stadium after two years with the San Diego Padres. The Padres traded him and his $31 million salary to New York for five players. During his time with the Yankees, Soto helped lead the team to its first World Series in 15 years. He posted an impressive 7.9 WAR, hit 41 home runs, and registered a .989 OPS, ranking third-best in MLB.
Soto’s 2024 performance wasn’t a fluke. His career OPS of .953 ranks third among all active players and 23rd all-time. The Dominican-born slugger is already considered one of the greatest hitters in the history of the game.
Despite his remarkable performance, Soto stirred controversy during his introductory press conference with the Mets when he claimed that New York has “been a Mets town for a long time.” This statement was not well-received by Yankees fans. One notable critic, former ESPN anchor Rich Eisen, quickly called Soto out on his show, the Rich Eisen Show. “What is he talking about? Juan, I’ve been around New York City for 55 years. He’s been around for a New York minute,” Eisen said.
Now, a former Yankees All-Star has weighed in. Dellin Betances, a three-time All-Star and native New Yorker who spent his last three seasons with the Mets, responded during an appearance on the Foul Territory TV podcast, hosted by former Chicago White Sox catcher A.J. Pierzynski. Betances, who grew up near Yankee Stadium, asserted, “It’s always going to be a Yankees town.” He went on to suggest that Soto’s decision to join the Mets was partly because he would have the opportunity to be the face of the franchise. “On the Yankees, it’s Judge’s team,” Betances explained. “Soto has a chance to be the guy on the Mets.”
As the season approaches, Soto will have plenty of time to prove whether his words can match his performance at the plate.
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