In 2025, pitchers have approached Juan Soto differently. Last year, Soto had the benefit of New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge hitting behind him. The Yankees appeared in the World Series for the first time since 2009, and the two helped lead the team through a tough playoff run.
But during the offseason, things took a different turn. Soto agreed to a 15-year, $765 million contract with the New York Mets. Pitchers adjusted once Soto became the big bat in the lineup on his own with the Mets.
So far this season, Soto has hit just two home runs with six RBIs in 16 games. That wasn’t the case last year when he saw more pitches in the strike zone with Judge protecting him in the lineup. Things have changed in 2025, and maybe Soto misses that.
Juan Soto Gets Honest About What It Was Like in the Yankees Lineup
Juan Soto spoke candidly about the luxury of being approached in a different way last year, “It’s definitely different. I had the best hitter in baseball hitting behind me. I was getting more attacked and more pitches in the strike zone, less intentional walks, and things like that. I was pitched differently last year.”
Even though Soto’s comments may have been an honest look at what he’s dealing with now, they quickly sparked debate. In a media market as intense as New York, any remarks about rival teams or even a hint of criticism can stir up trouble.
Soto’s current numbers with the Mets — two home runs and six RBIs — haven’t gone unnoticed. No matter which side of town they’re on, New York baseball fans have quickly pointed out he isn’t meeting the high expectations, especially with a .250 batting average.
But things could be turning around. Soto broke out with a long-awaited power surge Tuesday night, hitting his second home run of the season in a 5-1 win over the Minnesota Twins.
In his first 16 games as a Met, the 26-year-old has six RBIs and a .250/.400/.429 slash line. His first 16 games with the Yankees in 2024 had three home runs and fifteen RBIs.
It appears that opposing pitchers would rather take a chance on Pete Alsono, who has flourished when hitting behind Soto. Alonso had the National League’s highest OPS (1.136) going into Tuesday.
With a batting average of .345 with four home runs and 19 RBIs, Alonso has had a good start to 2025. Despite not receiving extraordinary offers in the winter, he finally accepted a two-year, $54 million contract extension with the Mets, with an opt-out clause, which he could exercise next summer.