This was Juan Soto and Aaron Boone's first exchange since...
Aaron Boone had not spoken to Juan Soto since the star outfielder left the Yankees for the Mets in December. That changed on Monday when the two crossed paths before the Yankees faced the Mets in one of their final spring training games.
With both New York teams shaping up as serious contenders, there’s plenty of crossover between the dugouts. Former Mets general manager Omar Minaya, now a senior advisor to Yankees GM Brian Cashman, chatted with old colleagues, including Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns. Mets manager Carlos Mendoza, a longtime Yankees coach, caught up with Luis Rojas, the Yankees’ current third base coach and a former Mets skipper. Even the Mets’ Opening Day battery will feature ex-Yankees, with Clay Holmes, previously a closer in the Bronx, making his first start for the Mets while Luis Torrens handles catching duties.
ALSO READ: Juan Soto Admits Yankees Were Early Frontrunners Before Choosing Mets
Monday’s game added another layer to the rivalry, as Marcus Stroman, who grew up on Long Island and previously pitched for the Mets, faced Soto, now a key piece of the Mets’ future after signing a massive 15-year, $765 million contract. A crowd of over 8,000 greeted Soto with a mix of cheers and boos.
But Boone had a playful dig ready when he finally saw Soto in orange and blue.
“I told him he looks terrible in that uniform,” Boone said with a smirk. “It was good to see him, though. Juan was great for us, and just as important, he was a great guy in the clubhouse. But yeah, I thought he looked awful in those colors.”
The Yankees didn’t bring their full roster to Clover Park, so it wasn’t a complete reunion, but Soto took time before the game to catch up with former teammates and staffers. While Mets fans have embraced their new star, the sight of Soto in different colors is still jarring for many in the Bronx.
As for Soto, he knows the real test will come on May 16, when he returns to Yankee Stadium for the first time in a Mets uniform.
“Yankees fans can surprise you with anything,” Soto said. “So I’m expecting the worst.”
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