Outfielder Juan Soto joined the New York Mets this offseason as a four-time All-Star who earned a World Series ring and five Silver Slugger Awards before he put pen to paper on a 15-year, $765M contract that could reportedly exceed $800M total and included a $75M signing bonus, an opt-out after five years and no deferred money.
Many already view Soto as a generational talent, but the 26-year-old made it known while speaking with reporters on Sunday that he feels he can improve “every aspect of my game” ahead of and during his first season with the Mets.
“The running part is huge for me,” Soto explained, as shared by Alex Smith of SNY. “I have to be better baserunning and keep improving my defense. I’ve been so close for the Gold Glove, so I try to be better every day, every year, so I can get closer and closer to that.”
Of course, the Mets will be looking for Soto to be more than just a dynamic all-around player after he inked his historic deal. Interestingly, one unnamed National League scout suggested back in December that the Amazins may need somebody such as unofficial team captain Francisco Lindor or slugger Pete Alonso “to keep Soto in line.” Fair or not, a perception sparked by such a take is that Soto may lack leadership qualities often desired for somebody on such a massive contract.
“I learned a lot of things [from former teammates],” Soto said on Sunday. “I can’t even tell how many things those guys have [taught] me. But a lot was leadership, how to be a leader in that clubhouse in your own way. …They taught me how to do it in my own way. Not only that, but through the game and how you handle yourself on and off the field, there are so many things those guys were able to teach me and show me how to handle myself.”
Roughly 12 months ago, some members of the baseball community thought the Mets were essentially punting on the 2024 campaign following what was seen as a rather uninspiring offseason. The club ultimately completed a trip to the National League Championship Series, where New York fell to the eventual World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers.
As of Monday morning, DraftKings Sportsbook had the Mets tied for fourth among the betting favorites at +1200 odds to win this year’s Fall Classic. Needless to say, the expectation is that Soto will help the Mets end their 38-year World Series drought sooner rather than later.
“I feel like guys can be a leader in different ways,” Soto said about the pressure associated with being the highest-paid player on a team that plays home games in the country’s largest sports market. “I’m just going to keep being myself, keep being who I am and try to lead my way. I’m not going to change anything, I’m going to keep being the same guy. That’s what they brought me over for, to be the same guy I’ve been since day one.”
