Mets' Juan Soto talks 'tough decision' to leave Yankees, previews Subway Series atmosphere

As the Mets and Yankees get set to write the latest chapter in the storied Subway Series rivalry, Juan Soto knows that most, if not all eyes will be on him on Friday night at Yankee Stadium.

After all, the superstar traded in his pinstripes for the orange and blue in Queens this past offseason, signing the largest contract in professional sports history to become a member of the Mets.

Speaking with Jon Heyman of the New York Post, Soto previewed the upcoming Subway Series, while also discussing his much-publicized decision to sign with the Mets over the Yankees and any other bidders.

SNY MLB Insider Andy Martino reported at the time that the Yankees, whose bid to retain the outfielder was said to be $760 million over 16 years, were in the lead for Soto all through the process, until Steve Cohen was able to close the deal late.

“It was a tough decision. (The Yankees) were number one … but we couldn’t get it done,” Soto told Heyman. “But at the end of the day, things work for a good reason. I trust what we’ve done. And we’ll see what happens.”

While Soto said that he believes he is “still figuring it out” and “adjusting to the new team,” he also said that he has zero regrets about becoming a Met.

“No, no. I made a decision, and I’m happy that I made it,” Soto said. “You look around. We have an unbelievable team. And it’s going to be a good team for a long time.”

Mets' Juan Soto talks 'tough decision' to leave Yankees, previews Subway Series atmosphere — Then New York Yankees right fielder Juan Soto (22) with center fielder Aaron Judge (99) wait to go back onto the field in the third inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Yankee Stadium. / Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

Soto got off to a slow start as a Met, but his last 15 games paint a more positive picture, with the 26-year-old slashing .268/.391/.589 with five home runs, eight RBI, 11 runs scored, and 12 walks.

Overall, Soto’s OPS is up to .845, and perhaps more importantly, he’s helped the Mets get off to a tremendous start at 28-16, leading the ultra-competitive NL East by 2.5 games.

The Yankees have also gotten off to a strong start, leading the AL East by 3.5 games with a 25-18 record. The Bombers have gone 13-8 at home, and Soto knows he’ll be walking into somewhat of a hornet’s nest when he takes right field on Friday night.

“It’s going to be 50,000 against one,” Soto told the Post.

“They’re going to try to get on me, you know,” he said. “It’s part of it.”