Since Juan Soto made the high-profile move from the New York Yankees to the New York Mets on December 8, signing an astonishing 15-year, $765 million contract, the 26-year-old slugger has taken subtle and direct jabs at his former team and its fan base. Soto’s one season in New York was highly productive, following a two-year stint with the San Diego Padres, who traded him to the Yankees along with his $31 million salary in exchange for a package of five players. During his time with the Yankees, Soto helped the team reach its first World Series appearance in 15 years, posting an impressive 7.9 Wins Above Replacement (WAR), ranking sixth in the league, and blasting 41 home runs with a .989 OPS, which was third-best in Major League Baseball.

Soto’s impressive 2024 campaign was no fluke, as his career OPS of .953 ranks third among active players and 23rd all-time. Hailing from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Soto has already solidified himself as one of the greatest hitters in baseball history. Despite this, his departure to the Mets and the subsequent mega-contract from owner Steve Cohen weren’t enough to keep him from stirring controversy. In his introductory press conference with the Mets, Soto controversially declared that New York had “been a Mets town for a long time,” a statement that did not sit well with many Yankees fans.

Rich Eisen, a prominent ESPN personality and lifelong Yankees fan, swiftly called out Soto on his show, the Emmy-nominated Rich Eisen Show. Eisen, who has spent over five decades in New York City, was quick to respond, saying, “What is he talking about? He’s been around for a New York minute. Dude, get out of here with that noise.”

Adding fuel to the fire, former Yankees All-Star Dellin Betances, a three-time All-Star and New York native, chimed in during an appearance on the Foul Territory TV podcast, hosted by A.J. Pierzynski. Betances, who was drafted by the Yankees and grew up near Yankee Stadium, made it clear that he believes New York will always be a Yankees town. He expressed his admiration for Soto but suggested that the decision to join the Mets was motivated by the opportunity to be “the guy.” Betances noted that while Soto might have been a key player for the Yankees, the team ultimately belonged to Aaron Judge, their captain. In contrast, with the Mets, Soto would have a chance to take center stage, with Francisco Lindor as the only other notable star.

With spring training just around the corner, Soto will soon need to prove that his bold statements can be backed up with his performance on the field.