NY Mets move onto the Red Sox but Juan Soto vs. Yankees continues

The sting of the Subway Series defeat still lingered as the New York Mets packed their bags, leaving behind the Bronx cheers and the New York Yankees' dominant performance. A 16-7 drubbing across the weekend served as a stark reminder of the rivalry's intensity. Now, the Mets aimed to recalibrate, their sights set on Fenway Park and a three-game tilt against the Boston Red Sox – another formidable foe from the American League East.

Yet, even as the Mets geared up for their Boston challenge, the ghost of Juan Soto's return to Yankee Stadium continued to haunt the headlines. More than two months into the 2025 season, the media's fascination with Soto's decision to trade pinstripes for blue and orange showed no signs of abating. Every quote, every glance, every interaction was dissected, analyzed, and spun into narratives about his comfort level with the Mets and his feelings about leaving the Yankees.

Mets shifting focus to Fenway amidst lingering Bronx buzz around Juan Soto

The Mets embarked on a crucial three-game series against the Boston Red Sox at iconic Fenway Park. This road trip isn't just another stop; it's a pivotal moment in their ongoing battle for first place in the National League East with the surging Philadelphia Phillies. With the Phillies having played exceptional baseball in recent years, the Mets know their absolute focus needs to be on this divisional quest.

However, the echoes of the Bronx refused to fade. Despite the Mets' desire to move on, the press remained fixated on Soto's every move during the Subway Series. Columnists and talking heads dissected his body language, searching for any sign of regret or unease.

Adding fuel to the fire was a report from the Newark Star-Ledger's Bob Klapisch, suggesting Soto had backed out of being mic'd up for the Sunday night game against his former team. Klapisch insinuated that Soto has been wary of constant questions about Aaron Judge and opted for silence after the Mets' loss. While the truth behind this claim remains murky, its amplification by the media served to further the narrative of Soto's supposed internal conflict.

Leading the charge in this persistent commentary was Yankees network journalist Michael Kay, who reiterated his belief that Soto's heart truly belonged in the Bronx. Kay posited that family influence, rather than personal preference, had swayed Soto towards the Mets. This narrative, however, dismisses the very real possibility that Soto was drawn to the Mets' long-term commitment and the opportunity to be a central figure in their quest for a championship.

The media's inability to accept Soto's decision has led to increasingly speculative and, at times, outright fabricated stories. The most recent example was the unfounded rumor that Soto was eschewing team flights for a private jet – a claim swiftly debunked by respected baseball insiders Jeff Passan and Andy Martino.

The relentless focus on Soto's past, fueled by the Yankees-centric media and a segment of their fanbase, feels disproportionate and unresolved. It serves only to create an unnecessary distraction for both Soto and the Mets. As they navigate the challenges of the AL East and the long season ahead, the Mets and their star slugger must resolutely turn the page. The series against the Red Sox provides an opportunity to demonstrate their focus and determination.

A series win in Boston would not only provide valuable momentum in the NL East standings but also serve as a powerful statement that the Mets are united and undeterred by the lingering narratives of the past. Their eyes are firmly set on the future, a future they hope culminates in a World Series triumph where Soto and the entire team can definitively showcase their championship mettle, silencing all the lingering doubts and external noise.