Juan Soto Reflects on Yankee Return as Mets Fight

Juan Soto is back in the Bronx, but this time he's wearing Mets blue. The superstar outfielder returned to Yankee Stadium this weekend for a Subway Series loaded with playoff implications for his new club. Soto's homecoming coincided with him receiving a major individual honor and offering high praise for a red hot teammate.

Soto faced his former team and its fans again during the two game set on September 11 and 12. He told reporters he wasn't expecting a warm welcome. "I think it’s going to be the same. I’m not expecting anything less from Yankees fans, they’re incredibly passionate," Soto said. He remained philosophical about any hostility. "Who knows? But they know I gave them my all. Some appreciate it, some don’t. You can’t control that."

The series stakes were starkly different for each team. The Yankees entered already playoff bound and chasing the AL East title. The Mets, however, found themselves on the brink of elimination.

On Saturday, September 12, Soto was honored for his spectacular 2024 campaign. He received the 2025 National League LatinoMVP award from Latino Sports, his third such honor after also winning in 2021 and 2024. This ties him with Juan Gonzalez for the second most awards in history, trailing only Albert Pujols's nine. "I’m really excited to be in a list where he is at the top," Soto said of Pujols, who managed him in the World Baseball Classic.

His 2025 season was a masterpiece of all around production. Soto played 160 games, blasted 43 homers, and led the league with a .396 on-base percentage. He also swiped a career high 38 stolen bases, tying for the National League lead. That performance earned him a third place finish in the BBWAA MVP voting.

The spotlight wasn't solely on Soto during the series. Mets rookie outfielder Carson Benge delivered a statement performance in the 12 2 victory over the Yankees on September 12. Benge went 2 for 5 with a home run off Gerrit Cole and an RBI single. He also made a full extension diving catch to rob Aaron Judge. After the game, Soto declared he was no longer impressed by the rookie, a compliment of the highest order. "I think he’s a superstar. He’s doing things that superstars do every day," Soto said. "Every day he will find a way to make us smile with the swing, with the running, the throws. It’s incredible."

Amid the series drama and award recognition, Soto continues to be a central figure in the Mets' lineup. Entering the weekend, his 2026 season stats showed his consistent elite production. Through 95 games, he was batting .275 with a .925 OPS. He had collected 92 hits and driven in 59 runs over 335 plate appearances, maintaining his reputation as one of the game's most feared hitters.

• Juan Soto won his third career LatinoMVP award on September 12, 2026, for his 2025 season.
• Soto told reporters he expects a passionate, potentially hostile reception from Yankees fans during his return to the Bronx.
• The Mets star called rookie Carson Benge a "superstar" after Benge homered and made a spectacular catch against the Yankees.
• The Subway Series carried major playoff implications, with the Mets fighting to stay alive in the postseason race.