Juan Soto thanks Yankees fans, talks relationship with Aaron Judge and former teammates

It happened to be just one season but it was one helluva year for Juan Soto in pinstripes.

The slugger helped the Yankees make their first World Series since 2009 while bringing excitement and energy to the Bronx the organization hasn’t seen in quite some time. And while it’s bittersweet to see Soto put on a Mets jersey for the first time in his introductory news conference on Thursday, 

And while Soto will call Queens his new home for the next 15 years, the All-Star outfielder couldn’t help but send love to the Yankees fans.

“I want to say thank you. They really showed me all the love and everything they have all summer,” Soto told the media at his introductory news conference They were there day in, day out. They really have a spot in my heart at the end of the day.

“Tough we couldn’t get it together and try to be back, and stuff like that, but always going to appreciate what they did for me in 2024.”

Yankees fans rained chants down on Soto from right field throughout the season and showed up with signs urging Hal Steinbrenner to sign the slugger and bring him back to the Bronx. And while the Yankees were the runner-up in the sweepstakes — reportedly offering $760 million over 16 years — it just wasn’t enough.

Soto added: “It’s hard to leave all the love [the fans] gave me and how they showed it off. It was tough. At the end of the day, we sat down with my family and see what was going to be best  for myself and we made the decision.”

He explained at his introductory news conference that family and the Mets’ future were important in his decision. 

Soto also made sure to say it wasn’t anything the Yankees didn’t do. He praised every team that made their pitches to him but reiterated that after having a conversation with his family, the Mets were the best decision for them.

But what about his recent past? Soto was asked if he’s spoken with any of his previous Yankees teammates and the newest Met said he hasn’t since they were eliminated in the playoffs, and that includes Aaron Judge.

Despite that, he expects to have conversations with Judge soon.

“At the end of the day, we’re still friends, still cool,” Soto said. “Everything that happens is just business. The relationships we created last year will stay there forever.” 

This past season was Soto’s best offensive year. Hitting in front of Judge allowed Soto to mash a career-high 41 home runs and drive in 109 RBI.

“Having a guy like Judge is incredible,” Soto told SNY’s Steve Gelbs. “He’s one of the best guys I’ve ever played with, If not the best is one of the best. It’s incredible what he’s capable of and how he handles himself and how we went back and forth.”

Soto will now form a tandem with Francisco Lindor, an NL MVP runner-up in his own right, for the foreseeable future.

How will the Yankees faithful react to Soto when he returns to the Bronx? We won’t have to wait long as the Yankees host the Mets in May 2025.