Mets outfielder Juan Soto, despite his record-breaking $765 million contract, has found it difficult to meet expectations after joining the team in Queens. Baseball analyst Mike Petriello highlighted key reasons behind Juan Soto struggles adjusting to Mets lineup, emphasizing his recent challenges at the plate.
Analyzing Juan Soto’s Plate Approach and Performance Challenges
Mike Petriello pinpointed that Soto’s biggest issue this season has been an unusually passive approach in the strike zone, which is uncharacteristic for the elite hitter. Petriello said,
“Juan Soto was being too passive in the strike zone,”
and noted,
“He had one of his slowest in-zone swing rates in May, and he’s obviously got an elite batter’s eye, we all know this,”
—Mike Petriello, MLB Analyst.
This passivity has led to a career-low in-zone swing rate of 53.2%, meaning Soto has been swinging at fewer pitches inside the strike zone than usual. Petriello explained the difference:
“But there’s a difference between having a lot of patience and passing up hittable pitches and these right here, are the lowest swing rate months of his career in May 2025, early 2023, and late last year. Those were not great months for him.”
—Mike Petriello, MLB Analyst.
Despite this slump, Petriello observed improvement as Soto began swinging more aggressively, which has helped him regain ground on his typical performance levels. He added,
“He needs to swing a little bit more and that’s really got him back his career averages this month. So two things, the misfortune’s catching up and he’s being a little bit more aggressive and being the best version of him right now.”
—Mike Petriello, MLB Analyst.
Juan Soto’s Current Statistics Reflect His Adjustment Difficulties
Presently, Soto’s batting line stands at a .253 average with an on-base percentage of .389 and a slugging percentage of .466, accompanied by 13 home runs and 36 runs batted in. These numbers mark a significant drop from the near-.300 batting average he has maintained throughout his celebrated career, signaling clear struggles in adapting to the Mets’ lineup and pitching staff.
Mets Fall to Rays in a High-Scoring Series Opener
The Mets faced the Tampa Bay Rays in an offensively charged game on Saturday but were ultimately outpaced in a narrow 7-5 defeat on home turf. The Rays compiled 13 hits compared to the Mets’ 7, with Jonathan Aranda and Brandon Lowe each securing three hits for Tampa Bay. Starling Marte contributed three hits for the Mets but was unable to prevent the loss.
The momentum shifted several times during the contest, with an early solo home run by Aranda giving the Rays the lead before the Mets responded with five runs in succession. However, the Rays surged back in the sixth inning, constructing a six-run rally sparked by Jake Magnum’s two-run single and capped by Danny Jansen’s two-run homer. Pete Fairbanks then closed the game, earning his 12th save of the season.
Implications for Juan Soto and the Mets Moving Forward
Soto’s ongoing adjustment issues highlight the growing pains associated with transitioning into a new team and environment, especially under the weight of an unprecedented contract. His recent uptick in plate discipline and aggressiveness suggests progress, but significant improvements will be necessary for the Mets to maximize the potential of their outfield star.
As the Mets continue their campaign, Soto’s ability to overcome these struggles will be vital not only for his personal performance but also for the team’s aspirations in an intensely competitive MLB season. Meanwhile, losses like the one to the Rays underscore the urgent need for consistent offensive production from key players, including Soto, if the Mets hope to regain their status as contenders in Queens.