Juan Soto's return to Yankee Stadium as a member of the Mets was met with intense boos and chants from Yankees fans, still bitter about his decision to join the Mets after his brief stint in the Bronx. The atmosphere was thick with rivalry as Soto, now sporting the Mets' colors, faced his former team in the Subway Series opener.

From the moment Soto stepped into the on-deck circle, the boos erupted, nearly drowning out his name over the PA system. In a bold move, Soto responded by taking off his helmet and saluting the crowd, acknowledging the animosity with a touch of defiance. This gesture, planned with his new teammates, signaled that he wouldn't be intimidated by the hostile environment.

Despite the uproar, Soto appeared comfortable, sharing laughs with former hitting coaches during batting practice and exchanging greetings with Yankees manager Aaron Boone. However, the fans made their feelings clear, cheering when he misplayed a fly ball and later turning their backs on him as he took his position in right field.

During the game, Soto walked three times and scored a run, but his overall performance was subdued. He grounded out in the seventh inning and flied out to end the game. The fans rejected his attempt at goodwill by throwing back a ball he tossed into the stands after catching a fly ball. Despite not delivering a spectacular performance, Soto remained unfazed by the hostile reception, maintaining that it was “just another game.”

Mets manager Carlos Mendoza noted that the fans were “very respectful,” while Soto said he tried to avoid eye contact with them, focusing instead on the game. Although the Mets lost the game 6-2, Soto emphasized the need to remain professional and focus on winning the series, brushing off the personal attacks from the stands.

Ultimately, Soto's return was a high-profile stress test for the intense rivalry between the Yankees and the Mets. The fans vented their frustration, while Soto attempted to embrace the moment, showcasing his resilience and focus amidst the chaos.