As the highly anticipated Subway Series approached, all eyes were on Juan Soto and how he would be received in his first return to Yankee Stadium since joining the Mets. Many Yankees fans had already written off the star slugger, and as expected, Soto received a less-than-warm welcome. But what unfolded over the weekend wasn’t just a cold reception — it was a vindication.
Juan Soto went a disappointing 1-for-10 at the plate over the series, striking out three times and failing to drive in a single run. His batting average slipped to .246, far from what you’d expect from someone commanding a $51 million annual salary. Yankees fans — over 40,000 strong — saw exactly what they hoped for: proof that they were right all along to move on from Soto.
Instead of dwelling on Soto’s exit, the Yankees front office made bold, calculated moves — starting with signing ace left-hander Max Fried to a record-setting $218 million deal. While some questioned the investment, Fried has responded emphatically. Even in what was statistically his weakest outing of the season — two earned runs over six innings — he maintained a league-best 1.29 ERA and improved his record to 6-0. The Yankees are now 9-1 in games he starts, cementing his value.
Another offseason gamble that’s paying off is Paul Goldschmidt. After declining to re-sign Anthony Rizzo, the Yankees turned to the 37-year-old veteran, and he’s delivered beyond expectations. Batting .339 with five home runs and 25 RBIs across 46 games, Goldschmidt was pivotal in both weekend victories. He drove in two runs Friday and added a key insurance run during Sunday’s explosive eighth inning.
Then there’s Cody Bellinger. April was brutal — a .182 average and 24 strikeouts — but May has been a complete turnaround. Bellinger is now batting .351 for the month, highlighted by a first-inning two-run double and a game-clinching grand slam in the series finale.
Round one of the Subway Series clearly belonged to the Yankees. With stars like Fried, Goldschmidt, and Bellinger rising to the moment, fans left the Bronx reassured. The team looks not only poised for dominance — but also for redemption.
