Whenever ESPN drops its annual MLB player rankings, one thing is guaranteed: strong reactions across the league.
This year was no different – and it didn’t take long for some players to take issue with a few controversial placements.
One of the biggest surprises? Juan Soto, now with the New York Mets, came in at No. 8!!!
Needless to say, that ranking didn’t sit well with some of Soto’s peers.
According to ESPN’s Buster Olney, at least one anonymous player was baffled by the placement.
“Are you f*cking kidding?!?” the player asked in disbelief over Soto’s low ranking.
While landing inside the top 10 is certainly no insult, many around the league believe Soto deserves to be even higher.
After all, the 26-year-old outfielder has consistently proven himself as one of baseball’s most elite talents – combining power, plate discipline, and postseason experience in a way few others can.
Not that he truly cares, but if Soto wanted to, he could surely use the perceived slight as major motivation.
After bouncing around between four teams in as many years, Soto finally found stability this offseason, signing a historic 15-year, $765 million deal with the Mets.
The deal not only makes him a foundational piece of the franchise but gives him the rare opportunity to build something meaningful over the long haul.
“I have 15 years [with the Mets]. Definitely, we want to win now. That’s the mindset, but we have a long time to build something special,” Soto told FOX Sports’ Ken Rosenthal.
The long-term security has given the star slugger a different perspective as he settles into his role in Queens.
“It’s a different feeling. It’s a different mindset. You’re not only thinking of what is going to happen this year, you’re really thinking a long way. And I feel like that’s a different thing from what I was going through the last couple years,” Soto added.
While Soto isn’t off to the hottest of starts, the entire baseball world knows how special of a player he is.
In case you’re curious, here’s a look at the complete top 10. (Full rankings here.)
#1. Shohei Ohtani, DH/SP, Los Angeles Dodgers
#2. Bobby Witt Jr., SS, Kansas City Royals
#3. Mookie Betts, SS, Los Angeles Dodgers
#4. Aaron Judge, RF, New York Yankees
#5. Paul Skenes, SP, Pittsburgh Pirates
#6. Jose Ramirez, 3B, Cleveland Guardians
#7. Yordan Alvarez, DH/LF, Houston Astros
#8. Juan Soto, OF, New York Mets
#9. Zack Wheeler, SP, Philadelphia Phillies
#10. Tarik Skubal, SP, Detroit Tigers
What are your thoughts on the rankings? … Is Soto’s low placement the biggest mistake – or do you spot one even more outrageous???
