Yankees Set to Make Polarizing Juan Soto Decision

Now, the Yankees will look like they are snubbing the right fielder who helped them get to the World Series last season.

New York Post columnist Joel Sherman asked Yankees executives whether Soto would receive a "thank you" video when the Mets visit the Bronx on May 16.

"When I asked a few Yankees executives about the two Mets, they suggested not likely for Soto because he only played one year for the team and probably a yes for (Clay) Holmes, who was a Yankee for 3 ½ seasons," Sherman wrote.

That one year in pinstripes was a pretty impactful one.

Soto posted a 178 OPS+ with a .288/.419/.569 slash line, belting 41 home runs and driving in 109 RBIs during the regular season. He hit .327 with four home runs, three doubles, and 14 walks across 14 playoff games. But while he delivered exactly what the Yankees hoped for when they traded for him, his time in the Bronx was brief.

That one-year stint ended in free agency when Soto landed a historic 15-year, $765 million deal with the Mets, which can reach up to $805 million with incentives. The Yankees reportedly came close, offering $760 million over 16 years, but Soto opted for Queens.

Soto was crucial to the Yankees' first World Series run since 2009. He seemed to have made connections in the clubhouse but quickly lost them (and their phone numbers) when he became a free agent. 

His departure seems to have left a sour taste. Choosing the crosstown rivals was an added insult. His return to the Bronx with the Mets should make for a fun Subway Series, with fans likely giving him a mix of cheers and boos.

The Yankees seemingly are just going to ignore him.