He’s baaack. After an unprecedented offseason bidding war, Juan Soto makes his return to the Bronx tonight. The slugger was a key piece on last season’s pennant-winning Yankees squad, even hitting an ALCS-winning home run last October. However, the crosstown rival Mets made Soto an offer he couldn’t refuse: $765 million dollars over 15 years. Now, these two first-place clubs will battle it out in primetime. What can fans and bettors expect from the game’s most expensive player on Friday?
The Mets enter as underdogs (+124) vs. the Yankees tonight, with the over/under set at nine runs (-102). Before the start of Friday’s much-anticipated showdown, here’s my favorite Juan Soto player prop bet on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Juan Soto O 1.5 hits + runs + RBIs (-115)
The reception for Soto at Yankee Stadium might not be the friendliest (just a hunch). Regardless, the outfielder is unlikely to get fazed by a hostile crowd. Throughout his career, the 26-year-old has established a reputation as one of baseball’s best big-game performers. That statement usually doesn’t apply to a Friday in May, but this is the Subway Series. Intensity is almost always guaranteed when these clubs get together.
A subpar month of April wasn’t what most Mets fans hoped to see from Soto. Fortunately, the four-time All-Star has grown accustomed to life in Queens. Since May 1st, he’s slashed .289/.411/.667 with five home runs and eight RBIs. Hitting behind Francisco Lindor, New York’s newest superstar should have plenty of run producing opportunities going forward.
Tonight’s contest could prove difficult, as Carlos Rodon will take the mound. The Yankees hurler is enjoying a terrific 2025 campaign, serving as an ideal number two starter behind Max Fried. Through 54.2 innings pitched, the southpaw has posted a 3.29 ERA, 0.97 WHIP and 67 strikeouts. Soto has little history in this spot, going 0-for-2 over three career plate appearances against his former teammate.
Rodon, for all his recent dominance, is still prone to the occasional letdown game. That’s not to say it’ll come tonight against the Mets, but the hurler can be gotten to. This season, Soto has notched a .353 batting average against left-handed pitchers. Depending on how his teammates perform, the Dominican could have up to three at-bats to do damage vs. Rodon.
Rather than total bases, hits + runs + RBIs is the perfect player prop for bettors. In addition to his massive power, Soto might possess the best eye in baseball. Rather than reach for something outside, the eighth-year pro is always content trotting to first base. While that puts more pressure on other Mets to perform, it gives some insurance if Soto garners multiple walks. With all eyes on the $765 million-dollar man, expect a vintage performance in the Bronx.
