Former-Yankees All-Star Pitcher Offers Stark Insight on Juan Soto's Struggles with Mets

Since then, the MLB news cycle has seemingly revolved around Soto and his lackluster energy at times. Regardless, former-Yankees All-Star C.C. Sabathia noticed Soto's 1-for-10 Subway Series among other struggles for the slugging lefty.

"I just feel like the first year guys go over to the Mets, they struggle," the 2009 ALCS MVP told New York Post Sports. "Lindor had the same thing until about August of [2024]," asserted Sabathia.

To be fair, Soto has not been himself since arriving in Queens. Throughout 47 games as a Met, his batting average (.246) and walks (17.6 BB%) are both down significantly.

Sabathia has a point with this specific example, as Lindor's worst full MLB campaign (3.0 WAR in 2021) coincided with his first season in New York. However, it is a bit egregious to claim that the switch-hitting shortstop didn't improve until last August. Lindor has won the Silver Slugger at his position the past two years and counting.

When the reporter questioned if Sabathia thought it was a New York thing overall, the former pitcher responded with, "The stars that go to the Mets, it takes them a year to kind of settle in. I don't know why."

Fortunately for Soto and supporters of the Metropolitans, there is ample time to subvert that narrative. Still, the 26-year-old superstar would love to start on that tonight at Fenway Park.

On Tuesday, the Mets are looking to bounce back against the Boston Red Sox at 6:45 p.m. ET; probable pitchers are Clay Holmes and Walker Buehler.

Back in the Bronx, the Yankees will host the Texas Rangers. Projected starters are Patrick Corbin and Will Warren; first pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. ET.