The San Diego Padres are experiencing mixed emotions about Juan Soto’s return to San Diego. Padres players are attempting to remain unsentimental about Soto’s return, who played with the Padres before joining the New York Yankees last offseason. The Yankees are currently in town for a series against the Padres.
“It’s fun, man. He’s been having a hell of a season. I’m excited to see him again,” said Padres third baseman Manny Machado. However, Game 1 of the Padres-Yankees series wasn’t fun for the Padres, as they lost 8-0 to the Yankees on Friday, with Soto hitting a home run for New York.
It’s fun man, he’s been having a hell of a season. I am excited to see him again,” Padres third baseman Manny Machado said. Game 1 of the Padres-Yankees series didn’t turn out fun for the Padres, who lost 8-0 to the Yankees Friday. Soto homered for New York in the game.
Machado wasn’t alone in praising Soto. Padres star Fernando Tatis Jr. also complimented the Yankees outfielder.
Soto played with the Padres for the 2022 and 2023 seasons. He had a great run in San Diego, where he helped the club reach the playoffs during the 2022 campaign.
Soto was traded to the Yankees this offseason following the Padres’ 82-80 record last year. The outfielder has thrived in the Bronx, batting .315 with 14 home runs and 43 RBIs. His performance has helped the Yankees lead the American League East with a 36-17 record so far this season.
“He’s been pretty awesome,’’ Yankees manager Aaron Boone said, according to USA Today. “What I’ve enjoyed is that he’s a great teammate and a really good person in our clubhouse.”
Soto has easily adapted to facing new pitchers and playing in a different division. He has recorded three multi-hit games in his last five outings and hit three home runs in his last three games. His performance seems to be motivating his teammates, with Aaron Judge also hitting more consistently than last season.
The Yankees are on a mission for redemption this season. They ended the 2023 season with an 82-80 record, the same as the Padres, and missed the playoffs, which is unacceptable in the Bronx. Acquiring Soto was a key part of the team’s rebuild, and it has paid off so far.
San Diego without Soto
The Padres have had a subdued season without Soto, holding a 27-27 record and struggling in the National League West division. They are 5-5 in their last ten games. This season, the Padres have been more successful on the road than at home, with a disappointing 10-17 record in southern California but an impressive 17-10 on the road. The team hopes to improve their home performance in the series against the Yankees, but so far, it hasn’t happened.
While Padres players may be showing Soto love, the fans surely aren’t. Soto was booed in San Diego Friday, per USA Today. There doesn’t seem to be any love lost between Padres nation and the slugging outfielder.
The Yankees and Padres face off against Saturday at 9:40 Eastern. The Padres’ respect for Soto will have to go on hold until this series is over. For now, he is a foe on the other side of the baseball diamond.
