When the New York Mets made headlines this past offseason by signing Juan Soto to a staggering 15-year, $765 million contract, many viewed it as a transformative moment for the franchise—a chance to acquire one of baseball’s brightest stars. However, as the first part of the season unfolded, questions began to arise about Soto’s performance and whether the Mets were facing an unexpected problem with their new acquisition.
Ironically, while one might expect Mets fans to be in a frenzy, it appears to be the supporters of the rival Yankees who are relishing this storyline. Soto has not produced at his usual elite level, leading to some concern about whether the Mets made a costly mistake. After all, a contract that extends until he’s 41 years old comes with its own set of worries. Yet, when we take a step back and analyze Soto’s slow start, we might find reason for optimism rather than panic.
The Bigger Picture: A Strong Supporting Cast
Although Soto is still working to find his rhythm, there’s a lot to be excited about when we look at the Mets’ lineup. The team’s success is built on a robust offensive core, and standout performances from players like Pete Alonso, who is already making a strong case for NL MVP honors, and Francisco Lindor, who has demonstrated efficiency at the plate, have kept the Mets in a good position. Alonso leads the league in RBIs, OPS, and slugging percentage, while Lindor is racking up hits at an impressive rate.
Role players such as Luis Torrens and Luisangel Acuna have also stepped up to provide consistent contributions, keeping the team’s offense charging forward. In addition, what many expected to be a weakness—the Mets’ pitching staff—has instead emerged as a strength. Starters like Kodai Senga have been lights-out, boasting an absurd 0.79 ERA through his first four starts, and names like Clay Holmes and Tylor Megill have effectively neutralized opposing offenses.
The bullpen, humorously dubbed the “Law Firm of Stanek, Kranick, and Garrett” by fans, has proven to be a reliable set of arms to bridge the gap to closer Edwin Diaz, allowing the hitters to focus on scoring wins. With players like Jeff McNeil, Francisco Alvarez, and Sean Manea poised to return from injuries, the Mets are only set to improve from here.
A Familiar Road Ahead for Soto
When it comes to Soto, Mets fans should reflect on his previous stint with the San Diego Padres. After joining the Padres in 2022, Soto faced a difficult adjustment period. In his first 19 games, his batting average dropped to a frustrating .175, but the story didn’t end there. Over the next stretch of 143 games, he rebounded to hit .279 with a .411 on-base percentage, finishing in the top six of NL MVP voting.
Soto is starting to show signs of a turnaround, already notching five hits and RBIs during a recent series against the St. Louis Cardinals. His trajectory suggests that he could very well rediscover his form soon.
Winning Regardless of a Slump
One of the most impressive aspects of the Mets’ early performance this season is their ability to thrive even while Soto is still searching for his groove. Currently leading the NL East, the Mets have established themselves as a formidable team, largely unaffected by Soto’s challenges.
Young teams like the Nationals and Marlins are performing as expected, which helps the Mets maintain a comfortable lead in the standings. Although the Philadelphia Phillies remain a wildcard, their struggles to string together wins have kept them from capitalizing on their potential. Surprisingly, the normally dominant Atlanta Braves find themselves at the bottom of the division, hampered by a tough start.
In this landscape, Soto is starting to feel like a luxury for the Mets. The team’s ability to win without his elite contributions is a promising sign. If they can maintain their current success while Soto works through his early-season struggles, the upside for what lies ahead is tantalizing. Just imagine the potential of this roster when Soto reclaims his place among the elite. The Mets could be on the cusp of something truly special.
