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6 hours ago
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Do the New York Mets have a Juan Soto problem? That's up to Carlos Mendoza, David Stearns, and Steve Cohen to figure out. However, after signing Soto to a contract that might never be seen again, taking on a 15-year, $765 million deal, the Mets need him to work out.
New York had every reason to give Soto the contract he signed. However, from the Mets' perspective, there was some risk involved.
Not only from the sense that it was so much money, but there’s a chance he could be a full-time designated hitter. It was a tough situation for them, but again, it was the right decision.
Looking toward his future, Fox Sports' Deesha Thosar examined how Soto is playing, and she believes that he could move out of his defensive role soon.
She added that the long-term DH role might be a better fit for Soto at some point, and it could happen sooner rather than later if his defense becomes an issue.
"Whereas with Soto, even though he's four years younger than Ohtani, his long-term role with the Mets figures to be at DH, and that might happen sooner than later if his defense becomes a real problem," she wrote.
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Soto has never been a great defender, and while he's still only 26 years old, it would be somewhat surprising to see him get any better out there.
In his fairness, he's already been paid $765 million and doesn't necessarily need to get much better in the outfield.
If the Mets want him to be a full-time designated hitter, that's what he'll have to do.
However, they’ll need him to be much better than the production he's given this year, hitting .243 with a career-low OPS+.
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