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This weekend kicks off the first chapter of the 2025 edition of this historic confrontation, and both teams arrive as divisional leaders, fueling the possibility —dreamed of by many— of a Subway World Series for the first time in 25 years. But even before the first pitch, the central figure is indisputable: Juan Soto.
The most anticipated comeback of the year
Soto, who last year was a key player in bringing the Yankees back to the World Series after a 15-year absence, signed in the winter with the Mets for the largest contract in baseball history: US$765 million. Although the Yankees offered a similar figure, the Dominican outfielder chose to switch sides and the Bronx has not forgiven him.
In 2024, Soto and Aaron Judge became only the third duo in Yankees history to hit 40 home runs each, joining legends like Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig, and Roger Maris and Mickey Mantle.
Now, in his return to Yankee Stadium, Soto will do so as an enemy, patrolling right field for the Mets and receiving a welcome that, it is anticipated, will be as loud as it is divided.
"We just want to win the series"
“We have to move forward, forget about who we are going to face and just try to win the series because, in the end, that's what we are here for,” Soto said this week. But in practice, the emotional burden will be inevitable, both for him and for the fans.
A tepid start and a fiery atmosphere
Soto hasn't had the most explosive start with the Mets: he's batting .255, with 8 home runs and 20 RBIs, despite the good offensive performance of Francisco Lindor as the leadoff hitter and Pete Alonso on fire behind him. Meanwhile, his former teammate Aaron Judge is having a historic start: average of .412 and 15 home runs through mid-May.
And if that weren't enough, Trent Grisham, who came with Soto from the Padres as a secondary piece, has unexpectedly shined with 12 home runs, 22 RBIs and a batting average of .283, outperforming Soto himself.
“I love the way [Grisham] is playing in every aspect,” manager Aaron Boone said.
Beyond the spectacle
Although the Yankees lead an American League East division that has shown ups and downs, the Mets have looked more consistent at the start of the year, with Soto in the second spot in the lineup, right where he shined in the Bronx. And while the numbers are not yet MVP-worthy, his mere presence has elevated the competitive and media profile of the Mets.
With Yankee Stadium as the setting, the atmosphere promises to be electric, tense, and memorable. And although Soto says it's "just another series", for New York, and for the history of baseball, it won't be.
