NEW YORK (AP) - Fans stood up and returned for the Yankee Stadium at Juan Soto’s Juan Soto’s Yankee Stadium amid a rare taunt, responding by taking off his helmet, tilting it into the crowd and touching it into his heart.

Soto rejected the Yankees’ “Metropolis Fortune,” a center of attention in the Bronx, wearing a bright orange wristband that can be found in the farthest seat.

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"I talked to him a few days ago and he's ready. He knows what's going to happen," Metropolitan manager Carlos Mendoza said ahead of Friday night's subway series. “He just had to enjoy it, embrace it and be himself.”

Soto stole the second inning but was trapped in the first inning against Carlos Rodón. As he jogged to the right area in the second half, some bleach creature turned around.

Yankees fans want him to stay in their roster and lead Judge Aaron. New York acquired Soto from San Diego in December 2023, and he helped them win the World Series for the first time since 2009. Then, one season later, he left the Bronx as a free agent in the smuggling game, earning a record $765 million, 15-year contract with METS, a team with two world series that won 27th place in the Yankees.

Soto turned down the Yankees’ $760 million, 16-year offer, and felt even more appreciated when Mets owner Steve Cohen offered outfielders and their family’s personal safety, freedom to use luxury suites and up to four quality tickets.

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In the past, Yankees fans have attracted players from almost every team.

"It'll be fun. I'm sure there will be some creativity out there," Yankees manager Aaron Boone said before the game. "I just hope everyone comes and have a good time, be safe and don't go too far."

Both teams have put their division ahead of the first of the six Metro series of matches this season, with the Yankees on Al East 25-18 and the Mets on NL East for the first time at NL East 28-16.

"This year is obviously unique because of all the news and storylines around Juan over the past few years, so you know that will add to the intensity of it," Boone said.

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Soto entered 43 games with an average of .255 hits, eight home runs, 20 RBIs and .845 OPS, up from last year’s game count of .313, 9 home runs, 34 RBIs and .947 OPS, while last year’s game count was the same.

Last year, he hit the .288 with 41 home runs, 109 RBIs and 129 walks, ranking second in the commands of the 21st century version of Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig. Soto hit a burst of home runs against Cleveland in the AL Championship Series opener, earning a three-round home run in the tenth inning and winning the Guardian in Game 5.

"Juan obviously only stayed here for a year, but what he meant to the team last year was huge," pitcher Clay Holmes said. "He's in town. Some people may not like that."

After losing Soto, the Yankees spin and signed Max Fried and Paul Goldschmidt, and acquired Devin Williams and Cody Bellinger in the deal.

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Soto received his first boo about an hour ago, when he went to the right field during batting practice, champion Ken Griffey Jr.

“When I came here in Houston in 2022, my seat was pretty good and I felt the louder the booed, those guys lifted the game,” said Mendoza, who was Boone’s coach in 2018-23.

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