Thursday was Soto’s first game back in New York since his comments on how “different” things have been not hitting in front of Yankees slugger Judge, whom he called “the best hitter in baseball.” In free agency, Soto turned down the Yankees’ 16-year, $760 million offer for the Mets’: 15 years, $765 million (which could reach $805 million).

Though Juan Soto acknowledges his at-bats have changed without “the best hitter in baseball” waiting in the on-deck circle, Yankees captain Aaron Judge believes his former teammate will soon hit his stride with the Mets.

So far, it seems like pitchers are intent to let anyone but Soto in the Mets lineup beat them. And it's resulted in a strong start to the season for slugging first baseman Pete Alonso, who, entering play Tuesday, leads the National League with a 1.136 OPS.