Juan Soto, a star player for the New York Yankees, responded to comments made by former teammate Luis Severino of the New York Mets. Severino had joked that the Yankees only have two good hitters, referring to Aaron Judge and Soto himself. Soto brushed off the comments, saying, “It is what it is. They can think whatever they want.”
Severino clarified that he was just joking with his old friends on the Yankees and that he still supports the team. He mentioned that he knows his former teammates understood he was not trying to hurt anyone with his comments. Despite the lighthearted nature of the joke, it sparked some reactions from fans and players alike.
The Yankees have indeed been relying heavily on Judge and Soto this season, as the duo has accounted for a significant portion of the team’s home runs. Soto, who recently participated in his fourth MLB All-Star Game, has been a key player for the Yankees, contributing 25 home runs and 71 RBIs with an impressive .311/.435/.594 slash line.
On the other hand, Severino, now with the Mets, has been performing well in his first season with the team, boasting a 3.58 ERA with 88 strikeouts in 115.2 innings. Despite a challenging final season with the Yankees in 2023 and struggles with injuries in recent years, Severino has been showing his worth with the Mets.
The two New York teams recently faced off in a series where the Mets emerged victorious, showcasing their dominance over their crosstown rivals. While the Yankees currently hold the first AL wild-card seed, they have been on a rough patch, losing 20 of their last 30 games. In contrast, the Mets have been on a winning streak, winning 27 of their last 40 games and securing the third NL wild-card seed.
As the MLB trade deadline approaches, there is speculation about potential moves for both teams. The Mets, in particular, are unlikely to trade All-Star first baseman Pete Alonso, who is set to become a free agent next winter. The upcoming games between the Yankees and Mets will undoubtedly be filled with excitement and rivalry as both teams look to solidify their positions in the playoff race.