Juan Soto's message to Yankees fans before Subway Series is spot on (and why he's missed)

For the second year in a row, the Yankees and Mets are headed in wildly different directions following Juan Soto's historic free agency decision back in 2024. That's not a reflection of Soto's choice — it's just what's happened. The Yankees' process has been better and their younger players have enjoyed more success. Plus, Brian Cashman's Plan B pivot after Soto left was more than enough to keep his team in contention.

As for the Mets? A lot of bad luck with a number of poor decisions to worsen the situation. That's not a shot at them. It's simply what's happened. Mets fans are not sitting here puffing out their chests about the Sean Manaea signing, Freddy Peralta trade, Jorge Polanco signing, Marcus Semien trade, etc. They know it's bad.

They have it worse, which is why they come much better prepared for the Subway Series. They play with more edge and urgency over the past eight or so years. Even when they're bad, they figure out a way to make the Yankees' lives difficult.

The same could transpire this weekend in the Bronx, but honestly the last few matchups have had Yankees fans fondly remembering Soto. What's done is done and everybody's moved on, but whenever Soto speaks to the media it's a refreshing experience that has many wondering what could have been.

Here's what Soto told reporters before this weekend's Subway Series, which will feature a matchup on the 25th anniversary of Sept. 11:

Juan Soto has perfect response to what Yankees fans might think of him

It's true. That's the exact approach a professional of Soto's stature should have. And he's right. He did give his best to us, logging his most notable statistical campaign up until that point of his career and helping the Yankees reach their first World Series since 2009.

His homer against the Guardians in the ALCS will never be forgotten. The prospect of him spending another decade in Pinstripes will forever be something fans of this generation ponder. In the Yankees' rich and long history, he was one of the best hitters the franchise has ever seen (even if it was for only a year).

But most of all, his energy and candor are what embodied being a Yankee most. And that's what fans had been desperate for dating back to the dynasty years. Soto had a smooth and genuine approach with the media and possessed an edge on the field night in and night out that we don't see often in today's MLB. He approached every at-bat as if each night was a playoff game. He was as reliable as they come in every sense of the word.

Mets fans can peacock all they want that they have Soto. It doesn't bother Yankees fans — it hasn't since a month after he made his decision. We're just here to respect the baseball player, and have the pleasure of being reminded of what he did for the Yankees during that 2024 season every time these two teams face off.

For all the negativity that flows through Yankees fandom, it's nice not to have to look back in anger over something like this.

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