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).

On Thursday, Soto went 0-for-3 in the Mets' win over the St. Louis Cardinals, his second straight game without a hit. He hasn't been booed by the Citi Field crowd, but there's palpable angst when he strikes out or hits into a double play.