Perennial All-Star outfielder Juan Soto has spent his first season with the New York Mets catching stray insults from fans and media members alike.
Unfortunately for Soto, he can officially add Little Leaguers to that list.
Canadian broadcaster TSN spoke with several Vancouver and Brisbane players ahead of Sunday’s Little League Classic between the Mets and Seattle Mariners. Understandably, TSN wanted to know which MLB stars the LLWS players were the most excited to meet.
We don’t blame Team Canada pitcher first/baseman Misha Lee for wanting to interact with Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh, who is on pace for the first 50-home run season by a full-time catcher. However, Lee didn’t hold back in explaining why he’d pass on meeting Soto.
“Eh, he’s kinda overrated,” Lee said. “He’s alright.”
Misha Lee who is representing Canada in the #LLWS isn't the biggest fan of Juan Soto. pic.twitter.com/ZCUTwhMbAH
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) August 17, 2025
Ouch. Apparently, posting 4.7 bWAR with an .881 OPS isn’t good enough anymore.
In fairness to Lee, we’ll argue that Soto has slightly underwhelmed in the first season of a 15-year, $765 million contract. All of his core numbers have significantly dropped, and although his .881 OPS is still well above league-average, it’s also considerably below the .930 mark he posted in 2023 and last season’s .989.
Then again, how many teams would love to get those numbers from any hitter, let alone a 26-year-old with three top-5 MVP finishes since the start of 2020?
Regardless, Lee and Soto each face must-win games on Tuesday. Lee and Team Canada battle Team Aruba, while Soto and the Mets have a date with the lowly 50-74 Washington Nationals on Tuesday night. The Mets enter play with a one-game lead over the Cincinnati Reds for the NL’s third and final Wild Card spot.
More must-reads:
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!