At the Little League World Series, Canadian player Misha Lee gained attention not only for his role in Canada’s 12-0 victory over Australia but also for his candid opinion about New York Mets slugger Juan Soto. When asked if Soto was his favorite player, Lee simply replied with a smirk, “Eh, he’s kind of overrated.”
Rather than idolizing Soto, the young athlete expressed a preference for Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh, who recently secured a $105 million contract and is contending strongly for this year’s MVP, edging out Aaron Judge in the conversation.
Ongoing Criticism Surrounding Soto’s Performance Despite High Expectations
Juan Soto, who signed a record-breaking $765 million deal with the Mets, faces ongoing scrutiny despite hitting 30 home runs this season. Some analysts and critics suggest his contributions have not matched the immense investment made by the Mets, particularly as the team struggles in the playoff race following the All-Star break.
Former Mets star Jose Reyes offered a more supportive perspective during an interview with TMZ Sports, stating,
People expect him to hit a home run every at-bat… but if you look at where he ranks among top players, he’s right there,
and predicted that Soto will likely finish the season with over 35 home runs.
Juan Soto’s Response to Public and Youth Criticism
The timing of Misha Lee’s blunt remark added to the pressure on Soto, especially amid the Mets’ difficulty with runners in scoring position and inconsistent pitching. Despite this, Soto maintained his composure and did not publicly react to the criticism.
Last Sunday, the Mets visited Little League World Series participants, emphasizing the joy and community aspects of baseball beyond statistics and contracts. Nevertheless, the week highlighted that even a player with a $765 million contract remains vulnerable to the frank opinions of young fans like Lee.