Juan Soto receives raucous 'Bronx cheer' before first at-bat in return to Yankee Stadium

Juan Soto's offseason decision has helped reignite some bad blood between MLB's New York franchises.

This past winter, Soto inked a record-breaking deal worth $765 million over 15 years with the Mets, opting to take his talents across the Big Apple after spending the 2024 season with the Yankees. 

Despite helping the Yankees reach the World Series last year, the Yankee Stadium crowd was not eager to welcome Soto back on Friday as the Subway Series began.

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Here's how the Yankees' home crowd reacted to Soto's return on Friday and the nod the outfielder gave back.

MORE: The 10 most memorable moments in Subway Series history

Juan Soto booed in return to Yankee Stadium

Soto made an early-season return to Yankee Stadium due to the scheduled Subway Series matchup between the two New York squads this weekend.

With Soto deciding to join the Mets instead of re-upping with the Yankees, the Bronx fanbase now has some negative feelings toward the superstar despite him finishing third in AL MVP voting last season.

When Soto stepped up to the dish as a Met, he received a heavy mix of boos, although some cheers could be heard. Either way, the outfielder took a moment to tip his helmet to the crowd.

Juan Soto tips his helmet to the Yankee Stadium crowd ahead of his first time up. #RivalryWeekend pic.twitter.com/IXTHzInzC2

The Yankee Stadium crowd even took it a step further in the bottom half of the inning. Out in right field, where Soto once played for the Yankees, the fans completely turned their backs when Soto came out to play defense in the bottom of the first. More boos came with it.

Juan Soto runs onto the field with the entire bleacher creature section turned around pic.twitter.com/tSq3G0EGiX