It’s been over a week since the Subway Series wrapped up, but the buzz hasn’t faded. Especially when it comes to Juan Soto’s underwhelming performance. The spotlight remains firmly fixed on the Mets’ star, whose quiet showing against the Yankees has stirred strong reactions across the baseball world. But while critics continue to dissect every at-bat, those who truly understand Juan Soto’s pedigree aren’t pressing the panic button just yet. Amid all the criticism, ESPN’s NBA analyst and die-hard Yankees fan, Stephen A. Smith, has offered his own measured take on the slugger’s form.
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While Soto still has ample time to prove himself in Queens, fans might have had enough of his slump. But in a sea of noise, Smith’s verdict stands out, reminding everyone that form is temporary and class is permanent.
“Why would I be upset [at Soto]? He’s not a Yankee. He didn’t do that in a Yankees uniform.” Smith said in his interview with ESPN MLB. “But in all seriousness, about Juan Soto, who batted 1 for 10 against the Yankees in that series… As much as I love me some Aaron Judge, I need Aaron Judge to show up like that in the postseason. I know Juan Soto will. I’m not worried about him in the slightest.“
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So, is he confident about Soto making a comeback? Well, yes. Smith seems to believe a comeback for Soto is just around the corner. According to the renowned NBA analyst, if history has taught us anything about the 25-year-old phenom, it’s this: betting against Juan Soto never ends well!
So, teammates aren’t worried. Coaches aren’t panicked. And now even the renowned media personalities are backing him. Soto isn’t just one of the game’s most gifted hitters; he’s one of its most relentless adjusters. His eye at the plate is unmatched. His discipline, elite.
And his confidence? Still very much intact.
Smith’s confidence in Soto contradicted the rant by Chris “Mad Dog” Russo just before. The fiery and outspoken Russo had added fuel to the fire previously, launching into a no-holds-barred critique of Soto’s lackluster series.
“Look at this, he is not even running!” Mad Dog went into full decibels on the same show, ridiculing Soto. But hey, he ultimately got doused by Smith’s composed verdict on the slugger.
There is no doubt that Soto is not performing as expected. But there’s no guarantee that he will not perform in the next few weeks.
Juan Soto is on a steady path to turn the tables
Well, here’s a thing for the Mets fans to rejoice. After a slow start to the season, Juan Soto is steadily finding his rhythm. You see the numbers, and you will also agree. In May, he’s posted a .254 batting average with a .392 OBP and an impressive .934 OPS, signaling a clear return to form. Yes, it might not be worth a $765 million deal, but hey, that’s for a whole 15 years!
Yes, Soto got no home runs against the Yankees and the Red Sox, but he has looked more like himself. Drawing walks, stealing bases, and delivering timely hits. For instance, he went 1-for-4 with a walk and a stolen base on May 16 in a narrow Subway Series win. He followed it up with another hit and stolen base the next day, and continued the trend against Boston with a sharp single on May 20.
Soto’s season numbers are now up to a .243 average, 8 home runs, 21 RBIs, and a .804 OPS. This surely reflects a player shaking off rust and warming up fast. So now, as his bat heats up and his presence grows louder, Soto’s resurgence is becoming a steady storyline in the Mets’ 2025 campaign. Let’s see how early Smith’s words come true in the real world.
Written by
Edited by
Abhishek Rajan