The New York Mets handed Juan Soto a record-breaking contract in the offseason, but he's yet to live up to expectations as the team's marquee signing. The slugger is hitting just .250 with two homers through the first few weeks of the season.

When discussing his struggles with The New York Post, Soto said he believes pitchers aren't attacking him the same as when Aaron Judge was behind him in the lineup last season with the New York Yankees:

“It's definitely different. I had the best hitter in baseball hitting [Judge] behind me last season. I was getting more attacked and more pitches in the strike zone. I was pitched different last year,” Soto said.

I mean, maybe there is some truth to Soto's comments. But, the reality is he isn't swinging the bat at the level we're used to seeing from him. Is he getting good pitches to hit? Sure. Are pitchers staying away from him a bit more? Maybe.

Article Continues Below
More New York Mets News
New York Mets starting pitcher Kodai Senga (34) reacts after a defensive play by third baseman Brett Baty (not pictured) during the third inning against the Colorado Rockies at Citi Field.
Mets’ Kodai Senga means business with blunt take on NL-best ERAAlex House ·
May 28, 2025; New York, New York, USA; New York Mets third baseman Brett Baty (7) looks on before the game against the Chicago White Sox at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Lucas Boland-Imagn Images
Brett Baty’s hilarious minor league admission after triple vs. RockiesMike Gianakos ·
New York Mets second baseman Jett Williams (90) throws to first base and retires Washington Nationals second baseman Luis Garcia Jr. (not pictured) during the third inning at CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches.
Paul Skenes trade grades for ex-MLB GM’s Mets-Pirates hypotheticalZachary Howell ·
May 30, 2025; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets right fielder Juan Soto (22) follows through on an RBI double against the Colorado Rockies during the third inning at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Juan Soto enters unreal Mickey Mantle territory in 8-2 win over RockiesMike Gianakos ·
New York Mets center fielder Jose Siri (19) and left fielder Brandon Nimmo (9) and right fielder Juan Soto (22) celebrate after defeating the Toronto Blue Jays during the ninth inning at Citi Field.
Mets’ 3 most disappointing players in 2025Quinn Allen ·
New York Mets pitcher Paul Blackburn (58) pitches in the first inning.
Mets’ Paul Blackburn set to start vs. Dodgers after IL returnJosh Davis ·

That being said, Pete Alonso is behind him in the order, and he's tearing the cover off the baseball early on, slashing .345 with four long balls and 19 RBI already. Regardless if Juan Soto is being pitched differently or not, there really isn't any excuses here.

The Mets brought him in to be a difference-maker who could help them make a World Series run. The early returns aren't great. That's the reality at the moment.

On a more positive note, there is essentially a whole season left. Soto has tons of time to figure it out at the plate, and knowing the type of player he is, there's little doubt that he'll find his best again. New York is off to an 11-5 start and has been playing very well on both sides of the ball.

Soon enough, Juan Soto will break out.