Juan Soto, one of the most outstanding figures in baseball today and a brand new addition to the New York Mets, has once again made headlines, but this time not for his performance on the field
Despite having the largest contract in professional sports history – a $765 million, 15-year deal – the Dominican outfielder expressed his displeasure at not being selected to the 2025 All-Star Game, mainly because it prevented him from receiving a juicy financial bonus.
Juan Soto’s complaint that did not go unnoticed
After the Mets’ extra-innings victory over the Orioles, Soto was approached by the press about his absence from the All-Star Game. His response was direct and, for many, arrogant:
What do you think? Obviously, it’s a lot of money on the table if he had been chosen.
The statement generated a wave of reactions on social networks, where many fans branded him as “greedy” and “out of touch with reality”, considering that his annual salary exceeds $61 million.
How much money did Juan Soto really lose?
Although it may seem exaggerated that a player with such a contract would complain about a bonus, the truth is that Soto had a clause in his contract that guaranteed him an additional $100,000 dollars if he was selected to the National League team for the All-Star Game. In addition, players on the winning team usually receive an extra payment of approximately $20,000 dollars, as happened in the previous edition.
In total, Soto lost out on nearly $120,000, an insignificant figure compared to his salary, but one that clearly did not go unnoticed by him.
Juan Soto’s start to the season was unconvincing
Part of the reason why Soto was not selected to the All-Star Game has to do with his performance. Although he has improved in recent weeks, his start to the season was slow. He is currently batting .269 with 21 home runs and 52 RBIs, solid but unspectacular numbers for a player of his caliber and salary.
This situation has raised doubts among fans and analysts as to whether Soto is living up to the expectations that come with his record contract.
Criticism from all sides for Soto
Social media was quick to react. Some users compared him to controversial figures in other sports, calling him “the Russell Wilson of baseball”. Others joked about the idea of opening a GoFundMe campaign to help him get his lost money back.
Even within the Mets environment, there are those who believe that Soto should focus more on his performance and less on financial incentives. With just a few months on the team, he has already generated controversy, which could complicate his relationship with the demanding New York press.
A misunderstood joke or are Juan Soto’s comments a warning sign?
Although some argue that Soto’s comments were made in a joking tone, the context and his history of statements have led many to take him seriously. In just eight seasons, he has played for four teams, and his reputation as a difficult player to handle is beginning to consolidate.
Juan Soto still has 15 years ahead of him with the Mets, and if he wants to earn the respect of the fans and the press, he will have to prove that his priority is on the field and not on bonuses.
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