Given his salary, his presence, and the expectations, it is not surprising that Juan Soto has emerged as the New York Mets’ main player. When the narrative focused more on what he left in the Bronx than what he was accomplishing for the Mets, it all came to a head over the weekend against the New York Yankees.
It’s funny since the Mets were in first place and playing excellent baseball until lately. They haven’t fared well lately, and Soto is one of their main problems. The Mets have notably been hindered by their inability to hit with runners in scoring position and their lack of power.
Astute Mets supporters are aware that the MLB season is still a ways off. Those who are too hopeful also overlook the reality that Memorial Day, a de facto checkpoint of every MLB season, is less than a week away. We must all acknowledge two facts, regardless of whose side of the battle line we are on.
Juan Soto isn’t as far behind as it seems
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In terms of statistics, Soto is falling short of expectations. He isn’t at the point where redemption is unattainable, though. It would only take one hot week. His first 52 games with the San Diego Padres in 2022 are the time in his career that this most accurately reflects. He cut. 236/.388/.490 with six home runs and eight doubles. He’s slashed in 48 games and 14 plate appearances with the Mets. 247/.379/.437 with eight home runs and nine doubles.
Hard-hit percentages are irrelevant. It’s similar to not getting on the basketball team despite being the tallest student in high school. No one is interested.
The times he is denied a hit, of which there have been numerous instances, are negated by rolling over on far too many balls that result in double plays. With nine double plays grounded into, he leads the league. Last season, he had ten.
Soto’s first season with the Mets has been perceived negatively due to his notable outs, notably the final one on Opening Day. He feels much worse than he actually is since he isn’t clutch hitting and there isn’t a single swing that can be attributed to his “welcome to Queens” moment.
Juan Soto needs to show more react differently to the muck he stepped in
Everything is resolved in the field through production. Soto needs to respond to his current circumstances in a different way until those reliable at-bats show up. This entails working hard at every chance he is given. He needs to sound more responsible after the game.
Supporters are eager. We are entitled to it. Nobody will be won over if you deny the obvious. Perhaps his incapacity to be dishonest is an issue, as he is known for his swagger at the bat, which we haven’t seen much of this season. Although we value honesty, it can be difficult to accept when it comes out as defensive.
The crew as a whole has made the decision to stop detesting authority. On Tuesday, the 13th, Brett Baty blasted the game-winning home run in their 2-1 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates, marking their final home run. Days before, on May 9, Soto had hit an extra base hit in the first game of their series against the Chicago Cubs. Since then, he has had five singles.
Both FBI profilers and casual fans have examined Soto’s body language. Coming to the conclusion that he is disengaged is too simple. It’s strange to witness a person act so robotically in a Mets uniform after he played against the team for so long with an irritating attitude.
Be irritated. Accept responsibility. Be the superstar you were to us against everyone else, beyond everything else.
