Despite the New York Mets’ red-hot start to the 2025 season, one of the team’s biggest names is still trying to find his rhythm at the plate. Juan Soto, the prized offseason acquisition, has yet to fully deliver on sky-high expectations, but Mets owner Steve Cohen is taking a measured—and optimistic—view of the situation.
At 20-9, the Mets hold the best record in baseball and have built a comfortable lead atop the NL East. It’s a testament to the team’s depth and early-season consistency. Yet Soto, hitting just .248 with three home runs, hasn’t quite matched the level of production fans hoped for when he was brought to Queens.
Speaking with the New York Post, Cohen offered a nuanced take on Soto’s early struggles. Rather than criticize the star slugger, the owner highlighted the less obvious ways Soto is helping the team win games.
“If you ask him, he’d probably say it’s not going the way he hoped,” Cohen admitted. “That’s not what the back of his baseball card would say. But saying that, there’s a lot of subtle things he does that really matter.”
Cohen pointed out that Soto’s plate discipline and ability to work deep counts are already making a difference—even if it’s not immediately obvious in the box score. By forcing pitchers to throw more pitches and getting on base, Soto sets the stage for teammates like Pete Alonso to thrive in RBI situations.
“So, Pete’s seeing better pitches,” Cohen explained. “It’s very subtle how that works. You can’t just look at it in a narrow sense. I’m not worried about Juan. He’s singularly focused on baseball. He’s a pure hitter. Let’s have this discussion at the end of the year.”
Soto’s slow start might raise eyebrows, but Mets fans have seen this story before. Francisco Lindor endured a rocky first season in New York before becoming a clubhouse leader and MVP contender. The Mets are banking on a similar trajectory for Soto, who has already compiled a résumé that includes four All-Star selections, a First-team All-MLB nod, and five Silver Slugger awards.
For now, there’s little reason to panic. With the Mets firing on all cylinders, Soto has the time—and the supporting cast—to get back to being one of the league’s most feared hitters.
As Cohen suggests, patience may be the best approach. In the meantime, Soto’s presence alone is helping the Mets push toward their ultimate goal: a deep playoff run and a return to the National League Championship Series.
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