It’s hard to say for sure if Juan Soto still misses the Yankees’ clubhouse. But do the Yankees fans still miss him, even with Aaron Judge continuing his MVP-caliber season? The answer is most certainly yes. And how do we know? Well, just look at the fans’ reaction to the moment shared between the two sluggers during the Subway Series opener.
In a rivalry defined by intense competition, Judge and Soto brought a rare flash of warmth, leaving fans wondering what might have been, if the duo had more time together.
Soto and Judge crossed paths again on Friday as the Mets hosted the Yankees at Citi Field. It was just the second time the two stars faced off since Soto changed teams. And their brief interaction quickly stole the spotlight. The moment came when Soto scooped up a grounder and tried to surprise Judge with a throw to first.
Judge and Soto share a laugh after Judge was testing his throw from right field pic.twitter.com/RVznDfKb5L
— Talkin’ Yanks (@TalkinYanks) July 4, 2025
Judge easily made it back to the bag, but as he did, Soto turned and flashed a wide grin his way, which lit up social media.
Remember Soto’s rough start to the season with the Mets? Go back a month, and the Mets fans were frustrated with Soto not delivering as expected. And the Yankees fans had the view that Soto is best when he is protected by Judge from behind. But still, they were not missing him. In fact, Trent Grisham was projected as the alternative to Soto in the Yankees.
But, the 26-year-old, who took some flak for a slow start to the season, has completely turned things around. Soto is now one of the Mets’ top performers. He was named NL Player of the Month for June and headed into Friday’s game against the Yankees with 20 homers, 48 RBIs, and 80 hits under his belt.
And, with Soto’s turnaround and the Yankees’ recent slump, the Bronx fans are missing their Dominican slugger again. The Bombers’ defeat against the Mets was one of the major talking points on Friday, but the camaraderie between Judge and Soto grabbed as much spotlight.
Going by the fans’ reactions on social media, it seems the Yankees fans are yet to accept Soto in the Orange jersey.
Fans still envision Juan Soto in pinstripes
“I miss this duo,” wrote a fan. Soto and Judge were inseparable at the 2024 Yankees Spring Training, often laughing during batting practice and even engaging in light-hearted bunt contests together. At the 2024 All-Star Game, Soto worked a walk to ensure Judge got an at‑bat! That’s what the fans are missing now.
I miss this duo
— breadman for MVP (@serrasd21YT) July 4, 2025
“Soto should’ve stayed, man,” wrote another fan. Take your mind back to the last Subway Series at Yankee Stadium. Soto was booed to the maximum by the home fans. Well, things change rapidly in baseball. That was the time when the Yankees were scorching hot at the batter’s box and Soto was yet to find his rhythm with the Mets. Fast forward to present and while Aaron Judge is still hot on the field, the Yankees’ offense is not like they were a few months ago. Soto, on the other hand, is now going all guns blazing. No wonder some of the Yankees fans believe Soto should’ve stayed back.
“The way Soto smiled at Judge. I miss this duo,” read a comment. A lot has happened since Soto left the Yankees. But one thing that is intact is the camaraderie between him and Judge. After jumping ship, Soto has done no negative mouthing against Judge or vice versa. Moreover, he even admitted that he felt more protected with Judge around.
“Judge making fun of that noodle arm,” another fan chimed in. Well, Soto’s weakness in terms of his throwing ability from the outfield is well known. In this game as well, fans thought Judge was making fun owing to the misplay. That might be the case, but Soto flashed a grin showing there’s more between them than just the on-field rivalry.
“Soto is infinitely less cool in that other uniform,” one more X user commented. Is it, though? Well, Soto was considered a mismatch in the Queens at the start of this year. He was struggling and visibly upset with how things were going. But now? He is at his best again, like last year.
Surely, for the Yankees fans, Soto would look the best in pinstripes, but with a high-value 15-year contract, that might not be possible again.
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