With the All-Star break rapidly approaching, Juan Soto’s rookie campaign with the Mets is at its midpoint. The former, four-time All-Star has been the subject of many conversations. Fans and reporters alike were hoping for more.
“I’ve been really underwhelmed so far. He should be the best hitter in the lineup, not the fourth best,” sophomore Mets fan Will Black said.
Soto, the controversial ex-Yankee, returned to Yankee Stadium in early May as a Met. Even though there were seventeen other players on the field, all eyes were on Juan Soto. It wasn’t exactly a happy homecoming for the Mets’ right fielder.
Sophomore Yankee fan Graham Carovillano was in attendance for the series opener. “The boos were louder than even most playoff cheers, and he played it off smugly, causing more boos,” Carovillano said. Soto ended the Subway Series 1 for 10 at the plate.
“I wish he could have stuck it to the Yankees fans,” Black added.
Soto’s offensive performance hasn’t improved. His recent struggles are no secret to anyone. He’s batting a measly .232 with an OBP of .803. These surprisingly low numbers are causing many baseball fans to question the Mets’ decision to sign him. “I don’t think he’s an amazing fit for the Mets,” Carovillano added.
One might wonder if all the hate is taking a toll on his playing. Soto is the highest-paid and one of the highest-profile players in professional sports. Expectations are high, and New York City is one of the hardest cities to play in as a professional athlete.
“I think he has been struggling because of the amount of pressure he is under because of his contract,” sophomore Red Sox fan Nate Stern said. New Yorkers always have an opinion, and it’s impossible to escape the criticism.
“The coaches should just give him support and let him work through it without too much pressure,” Stern said.
But with a fifteen-year, $765 million contract, fans are wondering why someone who commands such a high salary would fold under the pressure. Baseball is a psychological sport, and if Soto expects to be a future Hall-of-Famer, pressure shouldn’t be an issue.
In addition to the All-Star game, the MLB trade deadline is right around the corner on July 31. Like the Mets, other teams that can afford him might gamble on his potential. While being traded might be a concern for other players, Soto’s salary is simply too high for most teams’ budgets.
Fifteen-year contracts are not common. The Mets are investing in an expectation of long-term greatness. Soto is 26. His contract won’t expire until he is 41. Most players are long retired by that point. There is no doubt that he has the skills to be one of the game’s all-time greats. So far, he hasn’t proved it. When will he?
