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Juan Soto was supposed to be the center of attention on ESPN’s Sunday Night Baseball, not just for his high-profile return to Yankee Stadium, but also for his planned in-game interview. But just under an hour before the first pitch of the series finale between the Mets and Yankees, the script changed.
According to ESPN play-by-play announcer Karl Ravech, Soto canceled his appearance “about 45 minutes” before game time. Brandon Nimmo, Soto’s teammate and a fellow outfielder, stepped in as a last-minute replacement for the live interview segment.
Initially, the plan was to mic up Soto during the second inning of the game. The idea, announced earlier in the day by ESPN’s Buster Olney, was to have Soto discuss Aaron Judge’s historic start to the season—an eyebrow-raising topic given the context. Judge, now a Yankee cornerstone, has been reaching base at a rate comparable to Barry Bonds, Mickey Mantle, and Babe Ruth. However, Mets fans were quick to call out the network for choosing to focus on a rival player during an interview with a Mets star, especially in a high-stakes rivalry game.
Olney’s post triggered immediate backlash. Fans on social media questioned the decision to spotlight Judge during an interview with Soto, who recently turned down a massive Yankees offer to sign a record-breaking $765 million deal with the Mets. Some fans even threatened to mute the broadcast or switch to the radio feed to avoid what they saw as disrespect toward their star player and team.
Brandon Nimmo saves the day for fans, ESPN in Mets loss on Sunday
“Wait. You’re going to mic up Juan Soto… to ask him about… Aaron Judge?” one fan wrote. “How about asking him about Pete [Alonso], Lindor, or life on his new team?”
Ultimately, Soto opted out of the interview—an unusual move, but not unprecedented. ESPN replaced him with Nimmo without offering an official explanation, although the timing and online response suggest that the planned line of questioning may have played a role in Soto’s decision.
Mets manager Carlos Mendoza downplayed the situation postgame. While Soto was booed loudly all weekend in the Bronx, Mendoza said the jeers didn’t affect his performance or mindset. “He embraced it,” Mendoza said. “He knew what was coming. He didn’t change.”
Soto went hitless in the Mets’ 8-2 loss to the Yankees on Sunday night, finishing 0-for-4 with two strikeouts. His return to Yankee Stadium—once seen as a possible long-term home—was filled with tension, emotion, and controversy, both on and off the field.
Meanwhile, ESPN’s optics took a hit, especially with criticism mounting about their handling of in-game content and perceived bias. For a game already fueled by city rivalry, the situation added another layer of drama.
As for Soto, he continues to be a lightning rod—whether with his bat or with a microphone. And in New York, every move is magnified.
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Yankees Trade Hours Before Rays Game Draws Attention
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Oilers to Acquire a Top-Tier Goalie. An Official Trade Offer Is on the Table in a Blockbuster Deal
The Boston Bruins have been under pressure to retool after a disappointing season, and now a potential blockbuster move could shake the entire NHL. A major trade proposal has surfaced that could send a star goaltender to the Edmonton Oilers, a move that would give them the elite presence they've lacked in net while forcing Boston closer to a rebuild. The deal being floated by multiple outlets would send Edmonton's current starter, Stuart Skinner, along with Matthew Savoie, Beau Akey, and a 2028 first-round pick to Boston, while the Oilers land a goaltender capable of changing their Cup window overnight. Edmonton's push for a franchise goalie could reshape the Western Conference and challenge the Dallas Stars' path to the Cup If this trade goes through, the Oilers would instantly address one of their biggest weaknesses, setting up a showdown with teams like the Dallas Stars, who already see Edmonton as one of their toughest rivals. Boston, on the other hand, would fully commit to a rebuild, pairing Joonas Korpisalo with Skinner in what could be one of the NHL's weakest tandems, likely boosting their draft lottery odds in one of the most hyped draft classes in recent memory (NHL.com). An insider noted, "They weren't the only ones who had inquired about Swayman, but yes, I was told they poked around." That comment shows just how wide the interest is for this level of goalie talent (Heavy.com). I think this kind of trade would completely shift the balance of power in the West, making Edmonton even more dangerous for teams like Dallas, who could end up facing a vastly upgraded Oilers team in the playoffs. If Boston truly embraces a rebuild, moving their top goaltender could be the first domino in a massive roster overhaul, something that could shake the market for weeks.
Maple Leafs Top Prospect Shatters Expectations at World Junior Showcase
The World Junior Summer Showcase is in full swing, and Maple Leafs top prospect Ben Danford is shattering expectations, truly proving how good of a player he can be. The Toronto Maple Leafs' defensive prospect, Ben Danford, is among the 44 players who were invited to Hockey Canada's World Juniors Summer Showcase. Hockey Canada finally unveiled the 44 prospects who will head to Minnesota for the showcase, after they held the roster release back while the organization dealt with several injuries, which begins Sunday and runs through August 2 in Minneapolis. Defensive prospect Ben Danford is the only Maple Leafs player invited to the annual showcase, where Canada's World Junior staff will get their first look at what their team might look like for the 2026 World Juniors, which will also take place in Minnesota in December. Danford is being called the best player at the World Juniors Summer Showcase Danford has been exceeding expectations, and one source revealed that he has been the best player at the World Junior Showcase so far. The source said Danford is steady, smart, and hard to ignore on the ice. 'Ben Danford has been the best player at the World Junior Showcase he's steady, smart, and impossible to ignore. Makes every shift count, whether he's breaking up plays or starting the rush. Canada's blue line is in good hands.' - An unnamed source The Maple Leafs selected Danford with their first pick (31st overall) at the 2024 NHL Draft. During his visit to Toronto's development camp earlier this month, the defender revealed that he's receiving mentorship from current Leafs defensemen as well as some alumni like Mark Giordano. The 6-foot-2 Danford could make for an excellent fit for Canada should he make the team. He is responsible in his own end, and he demonstrated leadership capabilities when he was named captain of the Oshawa Generals ahead of the 2024-25 OHL season.
Kirk Cousins makes notable leadership move after Falcons practice
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