Juan Soto Creates Poor Optics By Ghosting Teammates Amid Lengthy Losing Streak

New-York-Mets-right-fielder-Juan-Soto

Lucas Boland-Imagn Images


The New York Mets are in the midst of a 12-game losing streak. They’ve been without their star player for the entirety of that skid.

Juan Soto suffered a calf strain in early April, just eight games into his second season with the team. The lineup has experienced a significant drop-off in his absence.

New York has scored two runs or less in nine of its last 12 contests. Those include three shutouts from an offense that was touted as one of the league’s best prior to Opening Day.

Soto spoke to the media this week as he continues to work back from injury. He has not spoken to the team amid its struggles.

Juan Soto has not talked to his teammates.

On one hand, it does not seem like much of a concern. Soto’s focus is on getting healthy. He cannot help the team while on the bench.

Furthermore, the Mets just returned home from a six-game road trip. He, meanwhile, has been in the Big Apple recovering.

With that being said, phones do exist. He has not picked one up. He’s created a talking point with very poor optics. What is his relationship with the other players?

The latest remarks paint the picture of star player failing to be a good teammate. New York is paying him boatloads to be invested in not only his own success, but in the overall outlook of the franchise.

Drama has a knack for following Soto.

The outfielder made the jump across the Subway Series rivalry last year, leaving the Yankees for a $765 million payday. Oddly enough, he was accused of ghosting his previous team before making that flip.

While Soto posted incredible numbers in his own right during his debut season, the campaign was ultimately a failure as the Mets went just 83-79 to miss the playoffs.

This year, he’d hoped to help flip the script. He got off to a solid start, hitting .355 across his first eight games. He was then sidelined by the lower body setback.

Soto exited the lineup on April 3rd. New York is just 3-12 without his presence in the order. He’s apparently done little to boost morale.

Juan Soto seems to be removed from the situation. He has not been in contact with teammates amid the losing streak.

He says it’s because the Mets have been away from home. Others believe he’s not a team player. Conclusions are being jumped to, with many claiming that Soto is only concerned with his own future.

Again, his health is a main concern given both his abilities and the investment made. Still, some effort to gel with teammates would be welcomed given the circumstances.

As far as timelines go, Soto is expected to return to the lineup during the current homestand.