Juan Soto’s blockbuster $765 million deal with the New York Mets was bound to stir headlines, but not all of them have been glowing. As fans grow restless watching their prized offseason acquisition struggle at the plate, Hall of Famer David Ortiz has stepped in to set the record straight. In a candid interview on Dominican radio, Ortiz addressed the mounting pressure on the 26-year-old slugger and urged fans to realign their expectations.
When MLB legends speak, we listen—David Ortiz drops truth bomb on Juan Soto expectations
Juan Soto, known for his elite plate discipline and consistent offensive output, has been enduring a rocky start in his first season with the Mets. After an 0-for-4 performance in a recent loss to the White Sox, his slash line in May dipped to a worrying .202/.333/.404. Through 55 games, he’s posted just eight home runs and 25 RBIs—numbers that pale in comparison to what he delivered with the Yankees by this point last season.
Yet, according to Ortiz, the criticism being hurled Soto’s way stems more from unrealistic expectations than from his actual performance.
“People think Juan Soto was paid to do what Barry Bonds did. No, people. Soto was paid to do what he always does — hit 30 homers, push 90-100 runs across, hit .280-.290, and have a great on-base percentage," Ortiz said.
Ortiz, a fellow Dominican and a revered figure in baseball circles, highlighted the perfect storm that led to Soto’s historic payday—stellar timing, strong representation, and an owner willing to push the financial envelope.
“The problem is that Juan Soto entered free agency at the perfect time with the perfect agent, you know what I mean? So since everyone wants to be involved in the negotiations for a player of his caliber, and because of the Mets’ owner, who said, ‘The only way he doesn’t play for me is if he goes somewhere else for less money.’ He won with that argument alone."
The Mets faithful, meanwhile, have grown impatient. Boo birds have already started making themselves heard at Citi Field, a tough crowd for a player still settling into a new team and system. But Ortiz isn't having any of the overblown comparisons.
“We’re not talking about the best player in the big leagues nor the most complete. He’s a great player who at the end of the season will have the numbers he consistently has," Ortiz stated. "The problem is that in people’s minds, they’re expecting him to be Barry Bonds. He’s never been that.”
Ortiz’s remarks are a reminder that greatness in baseball comes in many forms. While Soto may not be on a historic home run pace, his value lies in consistency and patience—qualities that may take longer to shine through, but are no less impactful over the long haul.
Also Read: Shohei Ohtani enters exclusive Dodgers club with 20th homer—questions swirl around his pitching future
When MLB legends speak, we listen—David Ortiz drops truth bomb on Juan Soto expectations
Juan Soto, known for his elite plate discipline and consistent offensive output, has been enduring a rocky start in his first season with the Mets. After an 0-for-4 performance in a recent loss to the White Sox, his slash line in May dipped to a worrying .202/.333/.404. Through 55 games, he’s posted just eight home runs and 25 RBIs—numbers that pale in comparison to what he delivered with the Yankees by this point last season.
Yet, according to Ortiz, the criticism being hurled Soto’s way stems more from unrealistic expectations than from his actual performance.
⚾️ ¡Tuvimos visita de lujo en cabina! @davidortiz “Big Papi” nos acompañó y no se guardó nada 🔥
— #ElMañanero (@mananerord) May 28, 2025
Hablando de Juan Soto, dejó esto bien claro:
“La gente está equivocada… A Juan le pagaron para hacer jonrones. Lo que pasa es que entró a la agencia libre en el momento perfecto.”… pic.twitter.com/ahQNHz1UAM
“People think Juan Soto was paid to do what Barry Bonds did. No, people. Soto was paid to do what he always does — hit 30 homers, push 90-100 runs across, hit .280-.290, and have a great on-base percentage," Ortiz said.
Ortiz, a fellow Dominican and a revered figure in baseball circles, highlighted the perfect storm that led to Soto’s historic payday—stellar timing, strong representation, and an owner willing to push the financial envelope.
“The problem is that Juan Soto entered free agency at the perfect time with the perfect agent, you know what I mean? So since everyone wants to be involved in the negotiations for a player of his caliber, and because of the Mets’ owner, who said, ‘The only way he doesn’t play for me is if he goes somewhere else for less money.’ He won with that argument alone."
The Mets faithful, meanwhile, have grown impatient. Boo birds have already started making themselves heard at Citi Field, a tough crowd for a player still settling into a new team and system. But Ortiz isn't having any of the overblown comparisons.
“We’re not talking about the best player in the big leagues nor the most complete. He’s a great player who at the end of the season will have the numbers he consistently has," Ortiz stated. "The problem is that in people’s minds, they’re expecting him to be Barry Bonds. He’s never been that.”
Juan Soto over his last 20 games:
— SleeperMets (@SleeperMets) May 28, 2025
12-for-72
.167 BA
.315 OBP
.635 OPS
3 home runs
11 RBIs
When will Soto break out of this slump⁉️ pic.twitter.com/XkdczH3nqT
Ortiz’s remarks are a reminder that greatness in baseball comes in many forms. While Soto may not be on a historic home run pace, his value lies in consistency and patience—qualities that may take longer to shine through, but are no less impactful over the long haul.
Also Read: Shohei Ohtani enters exclusive Dodgers club with 20th homer—questions swirl around his pitching future
You may also like
Coast Guard shares surprising everyday item that SURVIVED the OceanGate Titan sub disaster
US court blocks Trump's 'Liberation Day' tariffs, cites overreach of Presidential powers
Box Office Showdown: Bhool Chuk Maaf vs. Kesari Veer Performance Analysis
US calls for 'fair and reciprocal' trade access in talks with India
16 states sue Trump over $1.4 billion in cuts to National Science Foundation grants
