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.

One thing Juan Soto did not learn last year in his time with Aaron Judge was how to handle tough questions with honesty and tact. The New York Yankees slugger gave him another lesson on Tuesday.