After the first month of the Major League Baseball season, MLB.com conducted a survey of 20 executives in which they were asked about various categories, one of which was their choice of the most disappointing player.
The $765 million, 15-year contract that put Juan Soto in the spotlight with high expectations on what he will do in his first year with the New York Mets, and so far he has fallen short, however, to the surprise of many fans, the executives’ vote went to another player.
The player chosen in the survey was Dominican shortstop Willy Adames with four votes, followed by Joc Pederson and Marcus Semien with three, while seven others received one mention each, and none thought of Soto.
Willy Adames has a contract to demand
Dominican Willy Adames signed a $182 million, seven-year contract with the San Francisco Giants, only surpassed by Soto’s contract with the Mets for a position player this offseason.
And Adames‘ numbers are indeed inferior to Soto’s, with a .215 average, two home runs, 14 RBIs and a .602 OPS, while the Mets outfielder is slowly finding his rhythm with a .258 average, four home runs, 14 RBIs and an .820 OPS.
“The initial struggles of both teams have been more noticeable, given the expectations to be a key addition for the Giants this preseason,” an American League executive told MLB.
A National League executive said: “The Giants must already be worried about how this signing will age.”
The good news for the Giants is that in the same poll they were considered the biggest surprise of the season so far, with a 21-13 record, in a close competition with the Los Angeles Dodgers and the San Diego Padres for the top spot in the National League West Division.
On the Mets side, there is no collective problem despite Soto’s poor productivity, as they are at the top of the National League East with a 22-11 record.
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