Juan Soto in a Mets jersey was once just a rumor—now it’s a headline-grabbing reality. After making waves with the Yankees, where he batted in front of Aaron Judge and made a serious impact, Soto’s switch to the Mets shocked fans and critics alike. Many called him a $5 million sellout, booed him, and questioned his motives. But a surprising twist has now emerged that could shift the whole narrative behind his Bronx exit.
Despite high hopes, Soto’s time with the Mets has been far from perfect. Underperformance and fan frustration have been growing as his stats fall short of expectations. Batting .241 with eight home runs and 23 RBIs, Soto has struggled to live up to the hype. And with a hefty $765 million roster investment from Mets owner Steve Cohen, fans are getting restless.
Nightengale
“Yankees are convinced that Juan Soto was ready to re-sign with them on Dec. 11. He asked for a bit more time, was going to discuss it with his family during lunch, and the next thing they knew he was signing with the Mets after being persuaded by family members”
— Bobby Milone (@BobbyMilone29) May 25, 2025
The situation took a turn when MLB insider Bob Nightengale revealed that Soto was actually on the verge of re-signing with the Yankees back on December 11. He reportedly asked for more time to discuss with family—only to sign with the Mets soon after, allegedly due to strong family influence. This revelation sparked intense debate: Was his family behind this controversial switch?
Even more attention has been placed on his performance slump. He was notably criticized during the Subway Series against the Yankees, and again at Fenway Park when he misjudged a ball off the Green Monster, settling for a single instead of a potential double. Speaking on the issue, Soto remained calm, telling reporters, “I just call it baseball… You have to keep moving forward.”
Still, not everyone has lost faith. Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor continues to publicly support Soto, highlighting his work ethic and dedication to the team. Wearing a mic during an ESPN broadcast, Lindor praised Soto for his game against the Dodgers—where he helped break a tie with a clutch double. Lindor called him “a winning player” who’s focused on details and always gives 100%.
The Mets have also shown signs of resilience as a team. After losing a grueling 13-inning opener, they bounced back to win the next two games against the powerhouse Dodgers. Soto’s big hit in that series helped silence some critics, at least for now.
The story isn’t over, though. The debate around Soto’s choice and his performance continues. Was his family’s influence a misstep, or is a comeback just around the corner? Only time—and a few more swings—will tell.