The baseball world never sleeps, and neither does the drama in New York. When money talks, loyalty walks—it is what it is in the big leagues. But every now and then, a deal so massive, so jaw-dropping, that it leaves even the players tossing out some playful (or not-so-playful) jabs. Enter Luke Weaver, a Yankees pitcher with a knack for cheeky one-liners, who had just the (right/wrong) words for Juan Soto after his stunning $765 million switch across town.
After losing the WS, the Yankees decided not to be within budget, letting go of some good players. One of them was Juan Soto, going for one of the biggest trades this off-season. And could the timing BE any more apt! The Mets were looking for a big signing and they swooped in to make the record-breaking deal of $765 million.
While many fans were already feeling betrayed, now, some players are also entering that mix.
When recently asked about Juan Soto signing with the Mets, Luke Weaver set things straight. He said, “Just happy for him and his career. I’m happy that he was able to get what he felt was the best value for himself. Obviously, hate to see him go. I thought he was a great guy, a great teammate, and he’ll continue to show that over there. Yeah, we’ll just battle it out on the field now. We’ll keep our friendly out off the field. But for now, he’s an enemy, a friendly enemy. But in the box, he’s going to be the enemy.”
Luke Weaver on Juan Soto signing with the Mets:
“Just happy for him and his career… For now he’s a friendly enemy, but in the box he’s going to be the enemy so I hope we can have a nice smile and go head to head and see what happens.” pic.twitter.com/Hwp8dmciH7
— Yankees Videos (@snyyankees) February 11, 2025
Nothing but a friendly banter! Luke Weaver and Juan Soto have been very good friends and will continue to be so. But when on the mound, there is no telling Weaver otherwise. He will focus on dominating Soto’s at-bat and make sure to shut him out of the game. No mercy to show when the New York Mets faces off the New York Yankees.
Subway showdown: How Juan Soto’s $765 million move fuels the Yankees-Mets rivalry
In a city where baseball allegiances are as divided as a pizza sliced too thin, the New York Yankees and the Mets have long danced around each other, occasionally sparring but largely existing in their separate American and National League realms. Enter Juan Soto, the prodigious outfielder who, in a move that sent shockwaves through the five boroughs, swapped his pinstripes for blue and orange, courtesy of a record-shattering 15-year, $765 million contract.
The term subway series was coined for the rivalry between these two teams. But it has never turned into a bloody one. The Yanks with 27 World Series rings look at the Mets as their annoying little brother who is rarely challenging for the title of ‘Top Dog.’ They have been cherishing their World Series wins from 1986. Though they entered the World Series in 2000, they lost to their archnemesis after 5 games. And meanwhile, NYM have become the underdogs, and they seem happy about it.
The recent defection of Juan Soto intensified the existing hostile competition. The Mets seized an opening to claim Soto following the Yankees’ recent World Series defeat to the Los Angeles Dodgers. Under new Mets owner Steve Cohen’s leadership, the team received massive investments into their organization that turned them into a strong competitor and upset longtime Yankees supporters who relied on financial superiority.
As the 2025 season nears, this rivalry will look at new heights. The first matchup is slated for May 16 at Yankee Stadium, where Juan Soto will face his former teammates under the glaring lights of prime-time television. No doubt, this game’s narrative will be very rich.
A star player’s controversial switch, a rivalry renewed with fresh intensity, and a city divided! While it is way too early to predict the impact of Juan Soto on the Mets, one thing is for sure: the Subway Series has never looked more challenging.
How eager are you watch their face off? Let’s keep the comments coming!
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