Juan Soto Struggles Early in Mets $765M Contract

New York Mets star Juan Soto has struggled early in his record-setting 15-year, $765 million contract, batting around .224-.236 with eight home runs through his first 55 games, and experiencing a notable drop in bat speed. His offensive numbers, including on-base and slugging percentages, are at career lows, and he's faced criticism for both his lack of hustle and underperformance in high-leverage situations. Despite these concerns and growing fan frustration, analysts and Mets manager Carlos Mendoza remain optimistic, citing Soto's underlying metrics, such as a high expected batting average and more walks than strikeouts, as signs he could rebound. Comparisons have been drawn to other superstars, like Bryce Harper, who also started slowly after signing massive contracts but eventually justified their deals. Some experts, like Bleacher Report's Tim Kelly, have even awarded the Soto signing an 'A' grade, arguing that short-term slumps shouldn't overshadow Soto's long-term potential. The Mets, meanwhile, have remained competitive overall, buoyed by strong performances from other players, and hope Soto will soon deliver on his superstar promise.