The New York Mets have gotten off to a fast start this season. They have won 11 of their first 16 games and are in first place in the NL East. One reason for their success has been the play of Juan Soto. The Mets signed Soto to the largest contract in MLB history this past offseason, and now, he is expected to live up to that contract throughout his career.
However, Soto recently commented on the difference between his environment with the Yankees last year and the Mets this year. These comments did not make many Mets fans very happy.
Juan Soto Misses ‘The Best Hitter in Baseball’
Soto commented on how pitchers are approaching him this season compared to last; he said, “It’s definitely different. I had the best hitter in baseball hitting (Aaron Judge) behind me last season. I was getting more attacked and more pitches in the strike zone. I was pitched different last year.”
According to WFAN Sports Radio, Brandon Tierney said, “Is Juan Soto kidding me? This early in his Mets tenure…This is absolutely ridiculous. This is a bad play.”
BT went off on Juan Soto for his comments to the New York Post about adjusting to life without Aaron Judge.
Listen to his rant: https://t.co/1exBvD5g0i pic.twitter.com/YlgyfyH0Ob
— WFAN Sports Radio (@WFAN660) April 15, 2025
These comments come at an awkward time, as the Mets have gotten off to a fast start this season, and Pete Alonso is having a great start. While he may not be Judge, he is a great hitter to have behind Soto because he is one of the most feared power hitters in the sport.
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While Soto likely meant no harm by his comments, they suggest he needs more protection in the Mets’ lineup. The Mets have a great lineup with Alonso, Francisco Lindor, and Brandon Nimmo. These comments seem to be something that could have been avoided.
Mets Hoping To Continue Hot Start
Many people saw the Mets before the season as a loaded lineup with question marks about starting pitching. The Mets’ pitching has performed admirably this season, but some of that is due to the lack of competition. The Mets have played five series this season; four have come against teams that missed the playoffs last year. Also, two are against the Marlins, one of the worst teams in baseball.
Something is to be said about taking care of business against the bad teams, but the Mets will not be competing with those teams for a playoff spot. Seeing how the Mets perform when their schedule gets tougher will be interesting. They should be happy with their hot start and hope to keep it going.