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3mo ago

Mets Back Juan Soto Despite Early Struggles in Record-Breaking Season

Soto’s slow start in New York is offset by strong late-game performance and team confidence in his long-term impact.

BOSTON, MA - MAY 20: Juan Soto #22 of the New York Mets flips his bat as he heads for the dugout after striking out against the Boston Red Sox during the first inning at Fenway Park on May 20, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo By Winslow Townson/Getty Images)
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Overview

  • Juan Soto, in his first season with the Mets after signing a 15-year, $765M deal, has posted a .243/.374/.429 line with a 131 OPS+, below expectations but still above league average.
  • The Mets have adjusted Soto’s lineup spot to No. 3 to optimize his performance, citing his strong career numbers in that position.
  • Soto has struggled in first-inning at-bats, hitting just .156, but has excelled in late-game situations with a .318/.484/.614 line between the seventh and ninth innings.
  • Manager Carlos Mendoza and hitting coach Jeremy Barnes attribute Soto’s slow start to the pressure of his contract, emphasizing his consistent approach and strong underlying metrics.
  • Teammates, including Francisco Lindor, have expressed confidence in Soto’s eventual success, drawing parallels to their own adjustment periods in New York.