It was supposed to be a coronation, not a conversation. When Juan Soto signed his historic $765 million contract with the Mets last December, it marked what seemed like the beginning of a new era in Queens. Fans envisioned towering home runs and confident walks to first base as Citi Field pulsed with every swing.
But as summer approaches, the early-season buzz has shifted to uncertainty. Not fear-just confusion. Because this isn’t the Soto who led the Yankees to the World Series in 2024 with a .288 average, 41 home runs, and 109 RBIs.
Soto’s slump, by the numbers
Through 55 games in 2025, Juan Soto is hitting just .224, with eight home runs and 25 RBIs. His OPS has dropped from an elite .989 to a mediocre .745. For the player with the richest contract in MLB history, those numbers hit harder than any fastball. And yet, the voices that matter most haven’t wavered.
David Ortiz was the first to speak up
The first to show support was David Ortiz, Red Sox legend and proud Dominican. “He’s still that guy,” Ortiz said confidently, urging patience and reminding everyone of Soto’s proven talent.
Days later, Pedro Martínez-also a Hall of Famer and fellow countryman-was equally direct: “I’m not worried about what’s going on with him. He’ll find a way to do exactly what Soto does in the game.” That’s confidence, plain and simple.
Support from baseball’s biggest names
Even Mets owner Steve Cohen echoed the sentiment back in April, when whispers of underperformance began circulating. “I’m not worried about Soto,” he declared. “He’s a professional, and he’ll adjust. It’s a long season.”
That long view matters. With over 100 games left, Soto has time-and the backing of some of the most influential names in baseball-to find his groove again.
The weight of New York and the mental test
The pressure, however, doesn’t ease. In New York, every at-bat is magnified. Yankees legend Derek Jeter said it best:
“You can’t play in our sport-and especially in New York-if you’re not mentally tough.” That truth looms over Soto now.
From boos to miscues, the scrutiny has intensified. Still, Martínez sees what most don’t: the signals beneath the slump. Soto is hitting balls over 99 mph off the bat, yet they keep finding gloves. Advanced metrics suggest his swing is still there. The results simply haven’t followed-yet.
The story isn’t written. Not yet.
Juan Soto’s 2025 narrative is still unfolding. The legends believe. The owner believes. Now, Soto must believe too. Because while the pressure grows, so does the stage. And for Soto, greatness might be just one swing away.
Juan Soto was brought to Queens to reshape the Mets’ identity-not become the face of their struggles. But lately, his at-bats have sparked more silence than fireworks. At Citi Field, where anticipation once buzzed with every plate appearance, the mood has shifted. The roar has faded into murmurs-and on some days, scattered boos.
Last Wednesday, Soto went 0-for-4 in the Mets’ 9-4 loss to the White Sox, extending a brutal hitless stretch to 16 consecutive at-bats. Even his last big moment-a two-run double against the Dodgers on Saturday-already feels distant.
Bad luck piling on
On Tuesday, things got even worse: he lost a base hit in an unusual play after passing Brandon Nimmo on the basepaths. When you’re cold, baseball has a way of piling it on-and Soto seems to be wearing every bit of it.
Still, Mets manager Carlos Mendoza hasn’t hit the panic button. He remains optimistic, pointing to what he sees beyond the box score. “Today was one of those days where he didn’t hit the ball hard, but I thought his base, his lower half, was in a better position,” Mendoza said after Wednesday’s game. Earlier, he doubled down on that belief: “He passes the eye test.” In short, Mendoza believes the swing is fine-the results are just lagging behind.
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