Overview

• Juan Soto, now with the Mets, has noted a change in how pitchers approach him, with a lower percentage of pitches in the strike zone compared to his time with the Yankees.
• Soto attributed the difference to the absence of Aaron Judge, whom he called 'the best hitter in baseball,' no longer batting behind him in the lineup.
• Aaron Judge responded to Soto's comments, emphasizing that Pete Alonso, a top slugger, provides strong lineup protection for Soto with the Mets.
• Statistical analysis highlights the shift, with Soto seeing just 43.2% of pitches in the strike zone this season, a career low, compared to 46.5% last year.
• Judge and others remain confident in Soto's ability to adjust and thrive, citing his proven track record and Alonso's stellar performance early in the season.