New York, NY — June 3, 2025 — Superstar outfielder Juan Soto, now wearing the blue and orange of the New York Mets, has found himself at the center of intense public reaction following a bold social media post in support of Pride Month. His post, simple but clear, sparked waves of both celebration and backlash—highlighting the ongoing divide over LGBTQ+ inclusion in American sports.

“Everyone deserves love, respect, and to feel safe being themselves. Happy Pride Month! 🏳️‍🌈 #Pride #LGM,” Soto wrote in a post on both Instagram and X (formerly Twitter), accompanied by a photo of himself smiling in a Mets cap with a small rainbow patch visible on his wristband.

While many fans applauded Soto for using his platform to support the LGBTQ+ community, others took to social media to express outrage, with some declaring they would boycott Mets games in protest.

A Superstar’s Statement Sparks a Firestorm

Juan Soto, 26, is one of the most electrifying figures in Major League Baseball. Since his arrival in New York earlier this season via a record-breaking free-agent deal, he’s quickly become a central figure on and off the field. But this is the first time he’s made such a direct statement regarding a social issue in his career.

Support poured in almost immediately:

“This is why we love you, Juan. You’re not just an amazing player—you’re a good human,” one Instagram commenter wrote.

“Representation and allyship matter. This means the world to LGBTQ+ Mets fans,” added another.

However, the backlash was just as swift from some fans.

“Keep politics out of baseball,” wrote one user on X. “I didn’t pay for season tickets to be preached at.”

“I’ve supported the Mets since I was a kid. This ‘woke’ crap is the last straw,” another posted. “I won’t be attending any more games.”

Several posts included photos of fans canceling ticket plans or calling for a boycott of the team’s June “Pride Night” promotion scheduled for later this month.

Mets Organization and Teammates React

The Mets organization responded with a brief but supportive message on social media late Monday:

“We’re proud to support an inclusive and respectful fan environment. Everyone is welcome at Citi Field.”

Team sources confirmed that the post was made independently by Soto and not as part of any official marketing campaign. However, the franchise is expected to feature Pride-related messaging and events throughout June, consistent with recent years.

Several teammates voiced quiet approval or reshared Soto’s post, though no one has made similar public statements of their own so far.

A clubhouse source told reporters: “Juan did this because he believes in it. He’s not trying to stir up drama. He just thinks everyone deserves to feel included.”

Culture Clash in the Fan Base

The intense reaction reveals a familiar pattern in today’s sports landscape: the growing tension between athletes’ personal convictions and the polarized political leanings of some segments of the fanbase.

“This isn’t new, but it’s still jarring when it hits a team’s core fan identity,” said Dr. Tasha Green, a sociologist specializing in sports and culture at Columbia University. “Baseball fans tend to span a wide ideological range, and when players take public stands—especially for LGBTQ+ issues—it exposes those divisions.”

New York, often viewed as one of MLB’s most progressive markets, is not immune. Despite a diverse and generally supportive fan culture, a vocal conservative contingent within the Mets’ fandom has expressed disdain for social activism in sports.

“The backlash isn’t about Soto. It’s about change—and how uncomfortable some people are when sports reflect the real world,” Dr. Green added.

MLB’s Evolving Relationship with Pride Month

Major League Baseball as a whole has made significant strides toward LGBTQ+ inclusion, with all 30 teams participating in Pride events in recent seasons. Some teams, however, have faced backlash from fans, players, or sponsors for supporting such causes.

MLB has not commented specifically on Soto’s post, though it continues to promote league-wide Pride Month initiatives, including special merchandise, community events, and educational outreach.

Sponsors Stay Quiet—for Now

As of Tuesday morning, neither Soto’s major sponsors nor the Mets’ primary partners had made public comments about the controversy. Marketing experts suggest that many brands now view such stances as positive for long-term reputation, even if they provoke short-term controversy.

“This is no longer a marketing risk—it’s expected, especially from athletes of Soto’s visibility,” said Dana Liu, a sports branding consultant in New York. “The backlash is loud, but often not lasting.”

What’s Next for Soto and the Mets?

Juan Soto has not commented further since the original post, and those close to him say he is focused on baseball—not on the political storm swirling online.

“Juan is a competitor first, but he’s also a person who believes in doing what’s right,” said a friend of the Soto family. “He wasn’t trying to make headlines. He was just standing for something he believes in.”

The Mets play at home this weekend, and team officials say Pride-themed merchandise and celebrations will go forward as scheduled.

Whether or not a small portion of fans follow through with their boycott threats remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: Juan Soto has joined a growing group of athletes who are unafraid to express solidarity—even when it sparks controversy.