The New York Yankees quickly shifted their focus after Juan Soto agreed to a historic $765 million contract with their crosstown rivals, the New York Mets. While the Yankees have made notable moves to strengthen their roster—acquiring frontline starter Max Fried and trading for closer Devin Williams—fans are still processing Soto’s departure and his new home with the Mets.
During his introductory press conference with the Mets, Soto made some remarks that caught the attention of Yankees fans. When asked about his former teammates, Soto revealed that he hadn’t "talked with any" of them since the Yankees’ World Series run came to an end. This comment left many fans wondering about the level of camaraderie within the team, especially after such a significant season.
Soto also made a statement that further riled up Yankees supporters. He claimed that New York City "has been a Mets town for a long time." This declaration did not sit well with fans, who quickly took to social media to express their discontent with the statement.
Rich Eisen Responds to Soto’s Remarks
Sports commentator and Yankees supporter Rich Eisen offered a pointed response to Soto's comments on his show. Eisen dismissed Soto’s remarks, saying, "He’s been around for the proverbial New York minute. Get out of here with that noise… It’s a Mets town? OK, in your head." Eisen expressed disbelief at the idea that the Mets could claim ownership of the city, especially given the Yankees’ storied history.
Eisen went on to remind viewers of the Yankees' dominance in the sport, stating, “For 100 years, there have been championships from the Yankees. The Mets have 1969 and 1986 as their only championship seasons.” His words reflect the Yankees’ deep-rooted connection to New York, a connection that fans continue to cherish and defend.
Soto’s Impact on the Mets-Yankees Rivalry
While some fans may be having a hard time moving on from Soto’s exit, there’s no doubt that his move to the Mets could significantly impact the fierce rivalry between the two New York teams. Soto, a four-time All-Star and five-time Silver Slugger, is coming off a standout season with the Yankees, posting an impressive .288/.419/.569 slash line.
With Soto now committed to the Mets on a long-term deal, the team could have a key piece to build a contender for years to come. The Mets may have found a critical building block in Soto, which could help them close the gap with the Yankees in terms of championship aspirations.
A New Chapter in the Rivalry
Although the Yankees have already begun to pivot away from the Soto era, acquiring Fried and Williams as part of their offseason strategy, the rivalry between the two New York teams is unlikely to quiet down anytime soon. The defection of a star player like Soto to the Mets will surely keep fans of both teams engaged in the battle for city supremacy for years to come.
