In a dramatic conclusion to the 2024 baseball season, the Los Angeles Dodgers triumphed over the New York Yankees in a nail-biting Game 5 of the World Series—a bittersweet moment for the packed house of New Yorkers. Yet amidst the post-game disappointment, Yankees fans were still spotted eagerly purchasing Juan Soto's No. 22 jerseys, despite his recent free agency status.

Once a standout with the Washington Nationals, Soto made headlines with his trade to New York from the San Diego Padres. Just before he could hit the free-agent market, the Yankees fans had embraced him, celebrating his impressive stats in 2024 where he performed 80% above the league average. His presence on the team rekindled dreams of a championship run for the Yankees, marking his return to the Fall Classic since his own victory at age 20.

However, on Friday night, as Soto walked onto the field in right field, sporting his Mets jersey, the atmosphere turned electric—for all the wrong reasons. While initially beloved, the crowd lavishly booed him, a stark contrast to the excited cheers of earlier this season.

Over the winter, Soto wasn't just signed; he became the highest-paid professional athlete in North America with a jaw-dropping 15-year deal worth $765 million from the New York Mets. This signing marked a pivotal transformation for the Mets, evolving from their previously hapless reputation to major contenders under billionaire owner Steve Cohen. Ironically, despite Yankees’ attempts to woo him with a 16-year offer worth $760 million, Soto chose allegiance with the Mets.

As the Subway Series kicked off—with both teams atop their divisions—it became one of the most anticipated matchups. Fans from both sides packed Yankee Stadium, but the boos for Soto drowned out any cheers. As he took to the field, the reaction was palpable; every time he stepped up to bat, the crowd showered him with jeers.

Creative Yankee fans even manipulated their Soto jerseys, turning them into statements with scrawled messages that ranged from humorous to explicit. They chanted with fervor when Soto tossed a ball into the stands, chuckling with glee as the recipient threw it back instead of keeping a memory tied to their former potential superstar.

Yankees reliever Clay Holmes commented on the charged atmosphere, highlighting the electric energy that one can only experience in New York. While the Yankees may have lost Soto to their rivals, they didn’t sit idly by; instead, they filled roster gaps with notable signings like Max Fried and established stars like Paul Goldschmidt.

In a twist of fate, while Soto lamented being booed, his new team, the Mets, showcased a strong pitching lineup, proving that they could thrive despite the absence of Soto from their ranks last season.

Ultimately, the Yankees triumphed over the Mets, besting them 6-2, sending Batista and the Mets fans home disappointed, while Soto managed an acceptable night at the plate with three walks and a stolen base.

Acknowledging the onslaught of boos, Soto remarked it was one of the loudest receptions he had ever faced. "Embracing this atmosphere is part of the experience. This competition spices up our rivalry," he said post-game.

As the era of thrilling Subway Series begins, Soto’s controversial departure from the Yankees is sure to add an unforgettable chapter to baseball's storied rivalry.