Juan Soto is having the best "disappointing" season in NY Mets history

After signing the largest professional contract in sports history with the New York Mets this offseason, everyone was watching to see if Juan Soto could live up to expectations. There was no question that Soto had earned that contract, having a career slashline of .285/.421/.532 with 201 home runs, 592 RBIs, and an OPS+ of 160, while just entering his age 26 season. The question was whether or not he could live up to the expectations that come with such a big contract.

So far this season, things have not gone as expected. Whether it be the slow start Soto got off to, or his struggles in the field, many believe that he hasn't lived up to the contract. Some have considered him a big disappointment, and it was a mistake to give him that contract. However, when you look at the numbers, Soto is having a relatively good season.

Disappointing is not the word to describe Juan Soto's production this season

In 122 games this season, Soto has slashed .249/.385/.497 with 31 home runs, 72 RBIs, and a wRC+ of 147. He also leads the MLB with 96 walks, something that should not come as a surprise. While these numbers are low for Soto, if any other players in the Mets lineup had these numbers, fans would be thrilled. They would be considered one of the best hitters in the lineup.

The reason the numbers are down for Soto is that he has been streaky this season. But this can be chalked up to Soto adjusting to a new team. Mets fans are very familiar with players taking a season to adapt to the Mets. Players like Carlos Beltran and Francisco Lindor struggled in the first season, then went on to become all-time great Mets. Soto also has been numbers than both of them did.

This is not the first time Soto has not been himself with a new team. When he was traded to the Padres in 2022, he needed time to adjust. In 52 games, he slashed .236/.388/.390 with six home runs, 16 RBIs, and an OPS+ of 127. But he returned to the forum in 2023, slashing .275/.410/.519 with 35 home runs, 109 RBIs, and an OPS+ of 175.

Soto has also added to his game by embracing the stolen base. He has swiped 20 bags on 21 attempts, which is a new career high. The last time he had this many stolen bases was in 2023, when he stole 12. With Soto being more aggressive on the base path, it creates more scoring opportunities for the Mets. This can be a massive advantage for the Mets when they're in the late innings of close games.

The biggest thing people will point to for why Soto has been disappointing is his inability to get the big hit. With runners in scoring position, he has a batting average of .181 and only five home runs. But this is not a problem exclusive to Soto. The entire Mets lineup has struggled with runners in scoring position. The Mets have an average of .244 with runners in scoring position, eighth worst in the MLB. This seems to be more of a team issue rather than just a Soto issue.

While it has not been the typical Soto season, it does not mean he's been bad. He's been a relatively good hitter who has become a more diverse player. All while juggling the noise and distractions that come with a new team and a large contract. Something few can do.