When asked about Juan Soto’s highly anticipated return to Yankee Stadium, New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone didn’t dodge the question. He also did not sugarcoat the challenge facing his pitchers either. “He’s a killer,” Boone said bluntly during his WFAN appearance before Friday night's Subway Series-opener.

One year ago, offseason acquisition Juan Soto was invigorating a New York Yankees' fan base that was coming off a 2023 season that saw their team miss the playoffs. On Friday night, Soto will step into the batter's box as a member of the New York Mets at Yankee Stadium.

Has Soto lost a little bat speed this season? Sure, but it's too simplistic to view one of the game's best hitters through that lens alone.