The New York Mets made headlines this past offseason by signing Juan Soto to a record-breaking 15-year, $765 million contract.
Mets fans celebrated the move, seeing it as a big win over their crosstown rivals, the Yankees.
But Soto’s performance hasn’t matched the sky-high expectations that came with his massive deal.
His stats are noticeably below his career averages, and lately, people have started questioning his effort and accountability.
This post digs into Soto’s struggles, how fans and media are reacting, and what he might need to do if he wants to turn things around.
Juan Soto’s Performance: A Disappointing Start
When the Mets brought in Juan Soto, they expected one of baseball’s best hitters.
But right now, Soto is hitting .243/.374/.429, which is way below his career averages of .284/.418/.527.
His 131 OPS+ means he’s still 31% better than the average hitter, but that’s a steep drop from last year’s 179 OPS+ and his career 159 OPS+.
With eight home runs and 21 RBIs, it’s not a disaster, but it’s definitely not what the Mets hoped for after handing him the largest contract in baseball history.
Struggles with Effort and Accountability
Soto’s issues aren’t just about his numbers at the plate.
He’s caught heat for not hustling in recent games.
In a matchup against the Yankees, Soto got thrown out at first after grounding to second—even though DJ LeMahieu had to dive for the ball.
Watching the replays, you can’t help but think Soto could’ve beaten the throw if he’d run harder.
The next day against the Red Sox, he thought he’d hit a home run and started trotting, only to realize the ball hit off the Green Monster.
Because he didn’t run hard out of the box, he ended up with just a single.
Reporters asked Soto about these moments, but he acted confused and insisted he was hustling if you actually watched him play.
That attitude didn’t sit well with fans and media, who expect a lot more from someone with his talent and paycheck.
The Importance of Effort and Accountability
New York fans and media are demanding, but they’ll give players a fair shot if they see effort and accountability.
Soto’s lack of hustle and his dismissive answers haven’t helped his case at all.
Mets manager Carlos Mendoza spoke with Soto about the issue and admitted the player is frustrated by his slow start.
Still, frustration doesn’t excuse not giving full effort on the field.
Impact on Team Dynamics
Soto’s lack of hustle and accountability can ripple through the team.
Teammates might start to resent him if they feel he’s not giving his all, and the scrutiny from fans and media will only get louder.
The Mets are 30-20 this season, but if Soto’s issues drag on, it could become a real distraction and mess with the team’s performance.
What Soto Needs to Do
To get back on track, Soto’s going to have to make some changes—both on and off the field.
- Show Effort: He needs to hustle on every play, whether it’s a ground ball or a sprint to first. People notice effort, and it matters.
- Be Accountable: When he messes up, he should own it. Just saying he’ll do better goes a long way in New York.
- Support Teammates: Cheering for others and being a positive force in the clubhouse can help shift the mood and take some heat off himself.
- Focus on Defense: Even if his bat isn’t clicking, he can still make a difference with his glove.
Long-Term Outlook
Soto’s struggles really aren’t that unusual for players who sign massive contracts. The pressure to live up to expectations can make guys press too hard, and that usually leads to disappointing results.
Still, Soto’s got the talent to turn things around. If he focuses on effort, holds himself accountable, and stays a good teammate, there’s a good chance we’ll all forget about these early bumps.
For more details on Soto’s situation, you can read the full article here.
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