New York Mets star Juan Soto has not performed up to expectations during the current season. After finishing third in American League MVP voting with the New York Yankees last year, Soto’s first season with the Mets has seen a decline in his overall production. Although he has hit 28 home runs as of Wednesday, his .251 batting average falls 30 points below his career mark, and he has struggled to deliver key hits with runners in scoring position.
Expert Observations on Soto’s Current Performance
ESPN analyst Tim Kurkjian discussed Soto’s performance during a recent appearance on the Foul Territory network, highlighting his underwhelming start with the Mets. Kurkjian acknowledged that while Soto has been productive and hit a significant number of home runs, many of these came with the bases empty, suggesting he has not yet fully realized his potential for timely hitting.
He hasn’t been the player I thought he would be (this year),
Kurkjian said.
I mean, he’s been productive, he’s hit a bunch of homers, a lot of them with nobody on base … (but) he is way better than a .250 hitter … I just think he’s too good a hitter to struggle like this. And when I say struggle, he should be hitting over .300. He’s that good of a hitter.
—Tim Kurkjian, ESPN Analyst
Kurkjian also compared Soto’s adjustment period in New York to his earlier time with the San Diego Padres, suggesting there may be a similar transitional phase with the Mets as the team incorporates multiple star players.
I just think it’s been an adjustment … like it was in San Diego,
Kurkjian explained.
It was an adjustment there. You know, when he walks in, there are a bunch of other star players there. I think it takes him and everyone else a little bit of time to figure out where everybody’s going, though it didn’t take much time with the Yankees. He was really good right away and all season for them. Same thing hasn’t happened with the Mets.
—Tim Kurkjian, ESPN Analyst
Prediction of a Strong Finish for Soto and the Mets
Concluding his analysis, Kurkjian forecasted that Juan Soto is likely to heat up in the final stretch of the season, potentially carrying the Mets into the playoffs. He expressed confidence that Soto’s performance will improve significantly with six weeks remaining in the regular season.
There’s six weeks to go (in the regular season), and I fully expect him to get really hot and carry them into the playoffs,
Kurkjian stated.
I’ve been saying that all year. I think it’s going to happen.
—Tim Kurkjian, ESPN Analyst
Context on Mets’ Playoff Prospects and Soto’s Recent Form
The Mets have faced challenges since the All-Star break, posting a 9-13 record and holding only a slim two-game lead over the Cincinnati Reds for the third National League Wild Card position. They also trail the Philadelphia Phillies by six games in the NL East division race. Soto’s recent performance has improved somewhat; in August, he has hit .282 with three home runs, suggesting his adjustment may be underway.
If Soto’s impact rises as anticipated, it could significantly bolster the Mets’ chances for a postseason berth as they approach the final weeks of the campaign.