May 16, 2025; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Mets outfielder Juan Soto (22) interacts with New York Yankees second baseman Jorbit Vivas (90) during the first inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images John Jones-Imagn Images

Mets' Juan Soto opens up about reuniting with Yankees

Originally posted on New York Mets on SI | By Grant Young | Last updated May 17, 2025 8:00 AM ET

The New York Mets suffered a 6-2 defeat to their cross-town rival Yankees, during the first Subway Series game of 2025 on Friday, May 16.

The biggest story by far heading into and during this game was that Mets slugger Juan Soto was returning to Yankee Stadium for the first time since choosing the Mets over the Yankees in free agency this past offseason.

There was a ton of intrigue over how Soto would handle all the boos thrown his way by Yankees fans, how he would interact with his former teammates, and just his overall temperament during the game. And while the Mets lost, Soto seemed completely at ease, and even seemed to savor all the negative energy directed his way.

Juan Soto tips his helmet to the Yankee Stadium crowd ahead of his first time up. #RivalryWeekend pic.twitter.com/IXTHzInzC2
— MLB (@MLB) May 16, 2025

Or perhaps Soto was just excited to see so many of his former teammates. This seemed to be the case when he was asked about getting to catch up with his ex-team's players and staff members when speaking with the media after Friday's defeat.

"I mean, I'm just happy to see those guys and seeing them doing well. They really have a lot of respect for me and I have a lot of respect for them," Soto said, per an X post from SNY.

"And they're showing the love everywhere we're seeing them, and I'm happy to talk to them."

"I'm just happy to see those guys and seeing them doing well. They really have a lot of respect for me and I have a lot of respect for them."

Juan Soto talks about catching up with members of the Yankees, including Aaron Boone, pregame: pic.twitter.com/nCk0uC4WTz
— Yankees Videos (@snyyankees) May 17, 2025

It's clear that Soto holds his former teammates in high regard. However, no matter how much fun he had with Yankees players on Friday, the bottom line is that the Mets are the club that gets to have him in their lineup for the next 15 seasons.

This article first appeared on New York Mets on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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