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.

Wanting to beef up their bullpen this weekend’s Subway Series against Juan Soto and the Mets, the Yankees designated left-handed reliever Tyler Matzek for assignment and summoned in Loaisiga, who is back for the first time since having right ulnar collateral ligament surgery in April 2024.

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.