Mets’ Newest Free Agent Takes a Shot at Yankees Fans
On December 13, just days after securing the richest contract in baseball—and professional sports—history, Juan Soto took aim at his former team’s fanbase. The star outfielder, who signed a 15-year, $765 million deal with the New York Mets, declared at his introductory Citi Field press conference that New York has “been a Mets town for a long time.” Yankee fans didn’t take kindly to the remark, feeling it belittled their loyalty.
Soto’s comments sparked backlash, including from sports media veteran Rich Eisen, who scoffed at the claim on The Rich Eisen Show, comparing it to calling Los Angeles a “Clipper town.”
Now, history has repeated itself—this time with a less high-profile but still notable Mets signing. Left-handed reliever A.J. Minter, formerly of the Atlanta Braves, reportedly drew interest from the Yankees before inking a two-year, $22 million deal with the Mets on January 23. The Yankees, still lacking a lefty in their bullpen, were left empty-handed.
At his January 25 press conference, Minter didn’t hold back, following in Soto’s footsteps with an even bolder jab at Yankees fans.
Minter’s 10-Word Message: ‘They Get Baseball, Not Like the Other Side of Town’
Minter praised Mets fans as “true die-hards” who stick with their team, recalling his experiences facing them throughout his career. His comment further ignited tensions between Mets and Yankees fans, prompting another sharp response from Eisen.
“The Mets are cornering the market on guys who have no idea what they’re talking about when it comes to the New York sports scene,” Eisen remarked. He also reminded Minter that the Yankees signed his former Braves teammate, ace lefty Max Fried, to an eight-year, $218 million deal—implying the Yankees will have the last laugh.
With spring training fast approaching, the rivalry between the Mets and Yankees is already heating up—both on and off the field.
