Mets Legend Sends Juan Soto Message After Early Struggles

Originally posted on Athlon Sports
By Michael DeFrancisco | Last updated Apr 16, 2025 1:52 PM ET

After signing a record-shattering 15-year, $765 million contract with the New York Mets this offseason, the pressure has never been higher for superstar outfielder Juan Soto. The recipient of the largest contract in sports history jumped ship from the New York Yankees to join the Mets.

But given his ridiculous price tag, Soto is expected to produce like the superstar player he has been his entire career. This pressure is further magnified by his presence in one of the biggest media markets in the world and the desperation of Mets fans to become contenders once again.

The 26-year-old entered Wednesday with a solid .859 OPS and 149 OPS+. But those numbers pale in comparison to his career marks of .951 OPS and 160 OPS+. When discussing Soto’s start to the 2025 season, Mets Legend José Reyes said he may be trying to do too much.

"You know, maybe, I don't know, maybe he's trying to do a little bit too much," he said. "But it's only 15 games, and I think the fans expect Soto to hit a homer every single day. That's not gonna happen."

José Reyes (@lamelaza_7), @martinonyc, @AlbaneseLaura and @sal_licata discuss Juan Soto's start to the season on BNNY:

➡️ Tri-State @Cadillac pic.twitter.com/fJEnOY6tc7
— SNY Mets (@SNY_Mets) April 14, 2025

Reyes spent twelve years in Queens and accumulated a .768 OPS in the process. He also mashed over 100 homers as a Met and led the league in stolen bases three times.

Mets fans are hopeful Soto can return to his Hall of Fame caliber of play while wearing the orange and blue. He has hit just one homer this season in 74 plate appearances after hitting 41 last season as a Yankee.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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