By Sunday 
A Star Returns, But Will He Be Celebrated?
Juan Soto’s highly anticipated return to Yankee Stadium in mid-May will undoubtedly be a major storyline when the New York Mets face off against the Yankees. But as the date approaches, a lingering question remains: Will the Bronx faithful—or more importantly, the Yankees organization—honor him with a tribute video?
According to The New York Post’s Joel Sherman, the answer is likely no. Despite Soto’s instrumental role in carrying the Yankees to the World Series in 2024, his short tenure in pinstripes doesn’t seem to meet the team’s threshold for a formal acknowledgment.
Yankees’ Selective Tribute Tradition
The Yankees have been known to reserve their tribute videos for players with significant tenure. In 2020, former manager Joe Girardi and shortstop Didi Gregorius received one when they returned with the Philadelphia Phillies. In 2022, Gary Sánchez and Gio Urshela were honored when they came back as members of the Minnesota Twins.
However, when asked about the possibility of a tribute for Soto, Yankees executives suggested it was “not likely” due to his one-season stint. Meanwhile, former Yankees reliever Clay Holmes—who spent three and a half seasons with the team—is more likely to receive a tribute.
A Historic Season, But a Short One
Soto’s lone season with the Yankees was nothing short of spectacular. He posted a remarkable 178 OPS+, slashing .288/.419/.569 with 41 home runs and 109 RBIs. In the playoffs, he continued his dominance, batting .327 with a .469 on-base percentage, four home runs, and 14 walks in 14 games.
His performance solidified his status as one of the game’s premier hitters. But when the offseason came, so did a difficult decision—one that ultimately led him across town to the Mets.
The Contract That Sealed His Fate
Soto’s free agency saga ended with him signing a historic 15-year, $765 million contract with the Mets, a deal that could reach $805 million. The Yankees had made a strong push, offering $760 million over 16 years, but it wasn’t enough to keep him in the Bronx.
With his move to Queens, Soto has quickly adjusted to his new team. In 12 spring training games, he has posted a scorching .357/.438/.857 slash line with four home runs and eight RBIs. Slotted between Francisco Lindor and Pete Alonso in the Mets’ batting order, he’s expected to be a cornerstone of their lineup.
Will Yankees Fans Show Appreciation?
While the Yankees may not put together an official tribute, the reception from fans could tell a different story. Some may applaud Soto for his contributions, recognizing that he played a vital role in their postseason run. Others may see him as just another star who walked away.
Regardless of how he is received, one thing is certain—when Juan Soto steps up to the plate at Yankee Stadium on May 16, all eyes will be on him.