Just months into the regular season, New York is already bracing for what could be the most electric showdown of the year. Yes, the battle for the crown of the city. The Subway Series is back, and the stakes feel higher than ever as the Yankees and Mets prepare to collide tomorrow. But this isn’t just another chapter in a classic rivalry. You will agree that all eyes will be on Juan Soto.

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The man who once drove the Yankees’ dreams now wears Mets blue. He was the Yankees’ prized star not long ago, but tomorrow, they may face a Soto they hardly recognize. According to one MLB analyst, this isn’t the same slugger who once patrolled the outfield in pinstripes. This Soto is sharper. Hungrier. And perhaps, ready to make the Yankees regret letting him go. More than that, a player like Soto strives to perform on the biggest stage!

“I hate to break it to Yankee fans, Juan Soto’s homering in his first at-bat. As much as it pains the Yankee faithful to admit this, they saw it all of last year – when the stage is biggest, grandest – Juan Soto comes through,” MLB analyst Emmanuel Berbari said.

Well, Berbari is probably correct. Because you might have seen Soto thriving in such situations before. He’s no stranger to pressure. He’s often at his best when the stakes are highest. Remember the 2019 postseason? At only 20 years old, Soto delivered a clutch hit from the go-ahead single in the NL Wild Card Game against the Brewers in Game 1 of the World Series. He didn’t just survive the moment, but he owned it.

Hence, for the Yankees’ fans now, it wouldn’t be a surprise if Soto flipped the script again. History says bet on Soto in big games.

Moreover, Soto’s recent performance also indicates his arrival. Over his last 12 games, Soto has posted a 1.077 OPS. Now that’s a significant uptick in his offensive production. This hot streak includes a two-homer game against the Diamondbacks on May 7 and a solo shot against the Cubs on May 9.

This season, Soto holds a .255 BA with 8 home runs and 20 RBIs. Yes, not at par with Aaron Judge, but the Subway Series might be the place for redemption for Soto.

Soto is now more than a hitter

Juan Soto’s defensive performance in 2025 has been a topic of discussion, especially considering his below-par defensive history. In 2024, despite being named a Gold Glove finalist, his advanced defensive metrics were less than stellar. For instance, he posted a  -5 OAA, ranking near the bottom among AL right fielders. But things are getting changed in 2025.

It’s worth noting that Soto’s defensive capabilities have been a point of contention among fans and analysts. For example, during spring training in 2025, a misplayed fly ball drew criticism from Yankees fans, emphasizing the scrutiny he faces due to his high-profile contract and past decisions.

Well, Soto’s defense against the Astros offers better insights about his defensive improvements. With one out and two on in the bottom of the ninth and the Yankees clinging to a one-run lead, Kyle Tucker laced a single to right field. Soto fielded it and fired a one-hop laser to the plate. Yes, that accuracy and firepower were not expected from Soto. Yet he did it.

In summary, while Juan Soto continues to be an offensive powerhouse. The Yankees surely would see Soto taking some hits, but his defensive performance will also make the town talk. Both Aaron Judge and Juan Soto hitting in the Subway Series would be nothing short of a spectacle for all the fans.