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David Stearns finally acknowledges clear Juan Soto reality for NY Mets

ByJohn Wolff|
May 30, 2025; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets right fielder Juan Soto (22) follows through on an RBI double against the Colorado Rockies during the third inning at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
May 30, 2025; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets right fielder Juan Soto (22) follows through on an RBI double against the Colorado Rockies during the third inning at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images | Brad Penner-Imagn Images

You did the research. Read the reviews. Watched the promo where a guy rips a 6-iron 210 yards with a buttery draw. So you swiped the card, bought the full set, driver to putter, and were convinced this would finally be the year. The year you conquer the slice, the yips, and the soul-crushing humiliation of chunking a wedge from 80 yards. But six holes into your first round of the season, you’re six over par, three balls lighter, and explaining to your foursome that it’s not the clubs, maybe your swing’s just a little tight. Sound familiar? That’s the message New York Mets president David Stearns echoed recently when reporters zeroed in on a big-name addition still finding his groove.

NY Mets president David Stearns recently addressed questions about Juan Soto’s early struggles in a candid press conference.

During a recent press conference, New York Mets president David Stearns took center stage as reporters zeroed in on Juan Soto’s early-season performance. Stearns didn’t shy away from the tough questions but kept a steady tone, suggesting that Soto might be “trying to do too much” as he adjusts to the new environment and the spotlight that comes with being a marquee signing. Rather than pointing fingers at the player or expressing regret, Stearns emphasized patience and support, highlighting the complexities of settling into a new team and the positivity to his approach.

Soto’s season stats reflect some of the struggles fans and analysts have noticed. He’s hitting .231 with a .770 OPS, totaling nine home runs and 27 RBI. But the numbers reporters have fixated on paint a more challenging picture: Soto is batting just .130 with runners in scoring position over 46 at-bats, and he’s already grounded into 10 double plays, matching his entire total from last season. His ground ball rate has also climbed to 52.7%, up eight percentage points from 2024, indicating a change in his contact profile that could contribute to these struggles.

That said, Stearns remains confident because Soto’s 'elite plate discipline' is still intact. He’s swinging at pitches he can do damage on, which is reflected in a 14.9% chase rate (best in MLB), a 14.4%-barrel rate (top 15% in MLB), and a 55.1% hard-hit percentage (top 5% in MLB). The underlying metrics show the raw tools are there, Stearns’ message is clear: the results will catch up as Soto regains his groove.

Even the best clubs won’t guarantee a perfect round right out of the gate, and sometimes the real skill is knowing when to ease up and let the game come to you. That’s the approach Stearns is taking with Soto: trust the talent, stay patient, and let the results follow. Like finding your stance before a crucial shot, it’s about rhythm and confidence more than power. With the tools and discipline Soto still shows, it’s only a matter of time before the early rough start is behind him and he’s looking at the back nine of the season, setting the pace for a strong finish.