Juan Soto, who signed a landmark 15-year, $765 million deal with the Mets, has recently struggled at the plate, causing concern among fans and analysts. The 26-year-old slugger, known for his exceptional performance with the New York Yankees in 2024, is currently facing a slump that has drawn boos during a difficult series against the White Sox. Baseball analyst and former NFL MVP Boomer Esiason offered expert advice on Thursday’s Boomer and Gio show, addressing Soto’s current challenges and how he can regain his form and fan support.
Background on Juan Soto’s Performance and Recent Struggles
Soto’s 2024 season with the Yankees was impressive, as he formed a formidable duo with American League MVP Aaron Judge. Despite Judge winning the MVP, Soto outshined him in the postseason, raising expectations for his career. However, his recent hitless streak against the White Sox has disappointed fans, leading to public criticism and concerns over his future contributions to the Mets.
During the broadcast, Boomer Esiason compared Soto’s slump to similar periods experienced by other high-profile players such as Pete Alonso, Francisco Lindor, and Javier Baez. Esiason emphasized that slumps are a routine part of baseball, and many players rebound through perseverance and determination.
Boomer Esiason’s Advice on How Soto Can Recover
Esiason stressed that the key for Soto is to demonstrate visible effort and enthusiasm on the field. He explained that the only tangible action Soto can take is to be productive in his play, showing that he cares deeply about the game and the fans. According to Esiason, this includes hustling and avoiding any appearance of laziness, as maintaining respect from the Mets’ knowledgeable fanbase depends heavily on commitment and visible passion.
“There’s really nothing he can do other than become productive. There’s nothing he can say. … The one thing that he can do is that when he is playing baseball, look like you care, look like it means something to you, and show the hustle that is required to earn the fans’ respect,” —Boomer Esiason, Former NFL MVP
This approach, as highlighted by Esiason, signals that fans will be more forgiving of a temporary slump if they see genuine effort on the field. Mets supporters, familiar with the grind of baseball, are likely to rally behind a player who visibly fights to regain form.
Comparing Criticism Faced by Juan Soto and Anthony Volpe
Esiason also discussed the criticism directed at Yankees prospect Anthony Volpe, contrasting it with the scrutiny Juan Soto has endured. Despite Volpe’s significant contributions at 24 years old, he has been unfairly criticized in ways Esiason considers excessive given his lower salary and developmental stage.
“I think the criticism he receives, to me, is so ridiculous because he’s not making nearly the amount of money that Juan Soto is making. Juan Soto was brought to the Mets and was brought to the Yankees as a mercenary, and he did his job for the Yankees,” —Boomer Esiason, Former NFL MVP
Esiason’s cohost, Gregg Giannotti, provided insight into the added pressure Volpe faces, noting that the Yankees’ front office, led by Brian Cashman, once hailed him as the next Derek Jeter. This label has raised expectations and led the team to bypass other shortstops in free agency, further intensifying the spotlight on Volpe.
Implications for Soto and Next Steps
Juan Soto’s slump expert advice from Boomer Esiason focuses primarily on attitude and effort to help the star regain his form and the fans’ trust. Soto’s ability to overcome this hurdle will determine his trajectory with the Mets, especially given the magnitude of his contract and the high expectations accompanying it. Demonstrating hustle and commitment could shift fan perception, potentially rekindling the excitement that surrounded his signing. How he responds in the coming games will be closely monitored by both Mets fans and the broader baseball community.