Paul Articulates – Sorting out Soto

To the delight of the New York Mets fans, Juan Soto signed with the team as a free agent in the off-season.  At $765M over 15 years, this was the largest signing since, well, last year when Ohtani signed with the Dodgers for $700M.  Unlike Ohtani, who became an instant hero with the Los Angeles fan base, Soto has been somewhat of an enigma so far.  Here is what I mean:

Soto was a prize because so many considered him a “generational talent”.  He is considered someone who has mastered the game at a very early age, and has demonstrated statistically that he is among the best that have ever played at his age.  

But unlike Ohtani, who despite early injury surged to an NL MVP award in his first season without even throwing a pitch, Soto got off to a sluggish start.  Soto’s early numbers were lower than expected although he still managed to get on base very regularly.  He demonstrated a great understanding of the strike zone in working out many walks from pitchers who tried to nibble against him.  But for pitches he actually swung at, Soto has hit for a low average at .243/.374/.429.

As Soto struggled to get timely hits, his teammates Francisco Lindor and Pete Alonso were on fire.  Alonso at one point led the league in batting average, home runs, and RBI.  Soto continued his plate discipline, but his demeanor suggested that he was frustrated.  In the field, he showed limited range, an average arm, and no propensity to dirty his uniform.  As the struggles continued, he was observed on several occasions slowing to a trot on infield ground balls, and then came the infamous play where he stood to admire his shot to left which didn’t even get close to clearing the green monster and became the loudest and longest single of the season.

New York media pounced.  He was becoming a villain for his lack of hustle and lack of production in the two spot in the batting order.  As Lindor and Alonso cooled, so did the rest of the team and without a pickup from Soto, the entire clubhouse seemed to lose its enthusiasm.

Meanwhile, several observers took the patient approach, saying that Soto’s talent would eventually surface, and the doomsayers should wait a beat.  Clearly this was not what we were going to see for the next ten years!?

And so the city became polarized.  Some lamented his signing for the richest contract in baseball, others foresaw better days and accept that any ballplayer can start slow.  Does anyone remember Lindor’s first two years?

This article is not meant to take a side in the argument though I would put myself more in the disappointed camp than the hopeful camp.  It is meant to highlight the drama that is unfolding and how it may impact the team.

Soto is at the precipice of alienating the fan base.  Even though his numbers would be appreciated for most professional baseball players, his sullen demeanor and his apparent lack of hustle on both offense and defense are making the case for those who would attack him.  I use the word “apparent” because there are several explanations for him pulling up on some plays.  Carlos Mendoza says he “cares very much” which would negate those who would project an egotistical reason for him not running out a ground ball that could be beat for a hit.  He could be hurt, and it would be unlikely that a minor injury would be disclosed by the club – but he stole second on the next pitch after the green monster debacle so that theory doesn’t hold.  He could be wearing his disappointment in not hitting.  For any of us that have played any sport, it is easy to understand the frustration of not performing as you should, so a momentary letdown could be real.

None of us will really know what is behind the behavior, but what we do know is that when you sign a contract like he did, you immediately become a leader on the team – want it or not.  As a leader, you must demonstrate the values that will make a team successful.  Effort, work ethic, team before self, …you know the list.  If this is not demonstrated, the clubhouse suffers.  Juan needs to know that, and people like Carlos Mendoza and Francisco Lindor need to be in his ear about it.  

Lindor has a very personal anecdote to relate – the infamous “thumbs down” period with Javy Baez.  Personal disappointment coupled with animosity from the fan base created a perfect storm that threatened his career with the team and impacted the team’s play.  Fortunately, he pulled out of that and became one of the best leaders this team has had.  

Juan Soto can do the same.  He has the tools to ignite the crowd, but it has to come with an attitude of going all out and enjoying the game.  He can watch Lindor or Nimmo or Alvarez play the game with joy every night and pick up the necessary motivation.  If he turns this around and leads the team with his performance, he will quickly recover the fans and Citi Field will reward him for that.

The choice is your, Juan.  Show us your answer in the upcoming series against the Dodgers.  There is no better time.