Soto 'expecting the worst' from Yankees fans in Bronx return

New York Mets outfielder Juan Soto expects to receive an unpleasant welcome from New York Yankees fans when he returns to Yankee Stadium in May for the first time since leaving in free agency.

"You know Yankees fans: They can surprise you with anything," Soto said Monday after facing his old club during Grapefruit League play, according to SNY. "I'm expecting the worst."

Soto joined the Mets on a record 15-year, $765-million contract in the offseason after rejecting a 16-year, $760-million deal to re-sign with the Yankees.

"I told him he looked terrible in that uniform," Yankees manager Aaron Boone joked Monday.

The skipper added: "Juan was great for us, but just as important, he was a great guy in the room. ... Honestly, it was really great to see him."

Soto posted a career-high 41 homers, 109 RBIs, a .989 OPS, and 8.1 fWAR over 157 games in his lone season with the Yankees en route to helping them make their first World Series appearance in 15 years.

The Mets and Yankees play a three-game series in the Bronx from May 16-18.