Mets' Juan Soto Given Premature 'Disappointment' Rating
Batting Star Juan Soto Under Scrutiny in New York
The First Month with the Mets Shows a Slight Stumble for Soto
New York Mets' new addition Juan Soto is currently dealing with some heat, despite his solid start in Queens. ESPN's David Schoenfield has labeled Soto's beginning as "disappointing," stating that the all-star outfielder has been performing "OK," but we expect more than okay from a player of Soto's caliber.
Soto's current figures may not impress people used to his extraordinary prowess. His slash line sits at .248/.374/.396, earning a 121 wRC+. Although these numbers are still respectable, they've taken a minor nosedive in comparison to his stellar 2024 season with the New York Yankees.
Despite the current slump, Soto's career low in wRC+ is 143, which occurred in 2019, giving experts high hopes for his full-season performance with the Mets. As the team is currently off to a strong start this season, the pressure is not too heavy on Soto to deliver dazzling numbers just yet.
Soto's Statistical Woes
What has been concerning for Mets supporters is Soto's drop in on-base percentage and home run count. Soto has never posted an on-base percentage below .400, but his current .374 is a noticeable dip from his usual standard. Furthermore, the home run champ of 2024 has managed only three home runs in the 2025 season.
While it is expected that Soto's home run count might drop moving from Yankee Stadium to Citi Field, Mets fans and analysts expect that the former will still hit at least 25, and possibly 30 or more homers.
Lack of Concern
Amidst the scrutiny, it's important to note that there's no panic about how Soto will perform with the Mets. Soto's career low in wRC+ is 143 in 2019, so it's expected for him to significantly improve over the course of the season. Furthermore, there are possible factors influencing Soto's struggles, such as changes in pitching approach, low fielding performance, and inconsistent hitting.
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(INFORMATION ONLY - NOT IN clTH)- Although it's unclear if Soto's struggles are connected to the pressure of his massive contract, it's worth noting that he has experienced similar slumps in the past, such as hitting .202 in April 2023 and .219 in August of the same year.- Soto's career high in home runs was 41 in 2024, making it an expected drop for him to hit fewer home runs in the 2025 season.- Critics often point out Soto's weaker defensive skills despite his exceptional hitting abilities.- Soto's defensive performance has seen improvements, most notably in metrics like putouts and fielding percentage.- Despite the media and fan scrutiny, Soto is still considered one of the top players in the league due to his impressive hitting skills.- Soto signed the highest contract for a player under 25 years old in baseball history, with a 15-year, $765 million deal.
- Although Soto's current numbers with the Mets might be less impressive than his extraordinary performances of the past, experts still hold high hopes for his full-season performance, with his career low wRC+ being 143 in 2019.
- Mets fans and analysts expect Soto to hit at least 25 home runs, and possibly more, despite a drop in home run count this season due to the move from Yankee Stadium to Citi Field.
- Amidst the scrutiny, Soto's struggles may be influenced by factors such as changes in pitching approach, low fielding performance, and inconsistent hitting, rather than the pressure of his massive contract or his move to a new team.
- Soto's career high in home runs was 41 in 2024, so it's expected for him to drop in home run count in the 2025 season, although he's still yet to hit that mark this season.
- Despite facing criticism for his weaker defensive skills, Soto's defensive performance has seen improvements, with metrics like putouts and fielding percentage showing notable improvements.
