May 16, 2025; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Mets outfielder Juan Soto (22) reacts after walking for the third time in the game during the fifth inning against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images John Jones-Imagn Images

Radio Host Reveals Real Reason Juan Soto Left Yankees

Originally posted on New York Yankees on SI
By Erin Shapland | Last updated May 20, 2025 7:00 AM ET

The recent Subway Series brought up some hard feelings for fans of the New York Yankees, when they found themselves up against a beloved former player for the first time since his departure.

On his Monday afternoon radio show, ESPN NY's Michael Kay suggested that there was a deeper reason for Juan Soto's departure after one season in pinstripes, and that if it were entirely up to him, he might still be a Yankee.

"People in the know say that Juan Soto wanted to be a Yankee," Kay said. "He chose the Yankees. But his family wanted him to be a Met so he chose the Mets."

"People in the know say that Juan Soto wanted to be a Yankee. He chose the Yankees. But his family wanted him to be a Met so he chose the Mets"

-Michael Kay

#Yankees pic.twitter.com/mpYVwrAcHV
— Fireside Yankees (@FiresideYankees) May 19, 2025

It's unclear whether Soto has publicly mentioned family as a factor in his decision to head to the Mets. He mentioned that the move was a "family decision" in one March interview, but he may have been referring to the Yankees as a team.

“I mean, they tried the hardest they can, but things happen, you know?” Soto told NBC's TODAY. “You gotta go through a lotta things. It’s a whole group, family decision that we made. And I think that was the best one, you know? They really tried, but we couldn’t get it done.”

The 26-year-old superstar described positive feelings about his decision in a recent interview, and doesn't seem to have any regrets about the choice to move across town.

"I made a decision, and I'm happy that I made it," he told the New York Post. "You look around. We have an unbelievable team. And it's going to be a good team for a long time."

Soto signed the largest contract in professional sports history with the Mets late last year, at $765 million for a 15 year commitment. He had spent just one season with the Yankees, but won the World Series with them in 2024, and fans were loath to see him go.

They have also been loath to see him back in their park.

Soto's return was met with hostility (which he expected), with fans chanting "F*** Juan Soto", sporting t-shirts with the same slogan, and even contributing spiteful art projects like the one seen below.

A Yankee fan had a "boo this man" sign in regards to Juan Soto.

Keith: "I hope you feel better, sir"

Ron: "Outstanding arts and crafts"

Gary: "What font did he use?" pic.twitter.com/F5rHkwvlXD
— SNY (@SNYtv) May 17, 2025

Soto gave an underwhelming performance over the weekend, to the delight of Yankee fans, and the Yankees took the series after a brutal 8-2 victory on Sunday.

The Yankees begin a series against the Texas Rangers on Tuesday, May 20, with the first pitch set for 7:05 p.m.

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