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Former Cy Young Finalist Has Words for ‘Uncomfortable’ Juan Soto After Mets Loss

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jake Elman | Last updated May 20, 2025 1:24 PM ET

New York Mets superstar Juan Soto has become a punching bag, and two-time All-Star pitcher Dontrelle Willis is the latest one to get his shots in.

Willis blasted Soto following the Mets’ 3-1 loss to the Boston Red Sox on Monday night, criticizing the five-time Silver Slugger’s plate approach. Soto entered Tuesday hitting .246 with eight home runs and a career-worst .815 OPS in 210 plate appearances.

Although Soto owns a .376 on-base percentage, he only ranks 24th among qualified hitters. Soto has had a top-five OPS every year this decade.

“He’s going to get his walks, but he still looks uncomfortable and in between pitches,” noted Willis, the 2005 NL Cy Young runner-up.

It’s been a rough first two months for Soto, who signed a record-setting 15-year, $765 million deal in December. Soto hasn’t had an average above .270 since April 11, and he’s battled criticism recently for a perceived lack of hustle and effort.

Willis noted that Soto went a disappointing 1-for-10 with no RBI in last weekend’s Subway Series against the rival Yankees. Although Soto scored two runs and drew four walks, it didn’t keep the Mets from losing two of three.

“That’s a tough matchup going against guys like [Yankees ace] Max Fried and company,” Willis continued, “but for $765 million, I don’t want you to walk; I want you to run.”

Soto hasn’t had a multi-hit game since May 9, and he’s mired in an ugly 4-for-29 slump. He’s only driven in one run over his last eight games.

“They gotta have their $765 million man start to beat his chest a little bit and factor in that offense to take pressure off the rest of the roster,” Willis said.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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