Why David Ortiz's Barry Bonds comparison might change how you see Juan Soto's Mets struggles

Time of India

29-05-2025

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.
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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.'
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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.
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