The New York Mets won the offseason sweepstakes by signing superstar Juan Soto to a 15-year deal worth $765 million. Now, nearly two months into the 2025 season, Soto has become quite the talking point.
Soto and the Mets faced the New York Yankees over the weekend, marking Soto's first trip back to Yankee Stadium since leaving in free agency. And, it sparked plenty of debate about whether or not Soto regrets his decision.
Yankees radio host Michael Kay even stated during his show that, "People in the know say that Juan Soto wanted to be a Yankee. He chose the Yankees. But his family wanted him to be a Met so he chose the Mets."
On the other hand, Soto said he is "happy" he made the choice to play for the Mets.
Still, it has been a slow start for Soto, but Mets manager Carlos Mendoza isn't worried at all, per Anthony DiComo of MLB.com.
“He’s human. He’s 26, man,” Mendoza said. “He’s going to be fine. He’s Juan Soto.”
Mendoza also went on to mention the difference in going from the Yankees to the Mets.
“I think he’s comfortable, but everything is new -- not only a new team, but just the new contract, the expectations. He’s always been on winning teams and won a World Series. But this is new territory for him. That’s our job as an organization to continue to help him.”
It has been an adjustment period for Soto. As of May 20, he is hitting just .247 with eight home runs and 20 RBI, a far cry from his 41 home runs and 109 RBI in 2024 with the Yankees. In 2023, his only full season with the San Diego Padres, Soto hit 35 home runs and 109 RBI.
Still, it's early, and it might take time for Soto to get fully acclimated to his new team.
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