Juan Soto of the New York Mets is off to a respectable start in his first season in Queens, but he is not lighting it up in his first year on the historic 15-year, $765 million contract that he received in the winter, and ESPN’s David Schoenfield has described that start as disappointing.
“Soto has been OK, but, as is the case with Guerrero, we expect greatness,” according to Schoenfield. “Soto is producing a career-high ground ball rate, which helps explain his lack of power thus far. He has these phases — in 2023, he hit.202 in April and.219 in August — so this isn’t really a ‘the burden of the huge contract’ scenario. “He will get going at some point.”
Soto has slashed.248/.374/.396 this season, good for a 121 wRC+. Again, those are solid figures, and it helps that the Mets are off to a strong start this season, so there isn’t much expectation on him to put up big numbers. Soto’s career low in wRC+ was 143 in 2019, thus he is anticipated to improve throughout the course of the season, especially after having his career-best season in 2024 with the New York Yankees.
Soto is recognized for his strong on-base percentage and ability to hit for power. That has not been the case thus far this season. Soto has never had an on-base percentage below.400, so his current figure of.374 is acceptable, although it is lower than his average level. He also has just three home runs this season, after hitting a career-high 41 in 2024.
It is unsurprising that Soto’s home run total will fall as he moves to Citi Field from Yankee Stadium. However, he is predicted to reach at least 25, and potentially 30 or more. Still, Still, no one seems concerned by Soto’s performance with the Mets.
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