Apr 17, 2025; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets right fielder Juan Soto (22) reacts after striking out during the third inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Yankees legend gets honest about Juan Soto's struggles with Mets

Originally posted on New York Mets on SI | By Grant Young | Last updated May 21, 2025 8:00 AM ET

It's no secret that New York Mets slugger Juan Soto hasn't performed up to the expectations that were set when he signed a 15-year, $765 million contract.

Heading into New York's May 20 game against the Boston Red Sox, Soto was hitting .246 with an .810 OPS, 8 home runs, and 20 RBIs. While it seemed like Soto was beginning to catch fire earlier this month, his going 1-10 during the three-game set against the Yankees showed that he still hasn't found his hitting form as a member of the Mets.

And it isn't just Soto's performance on the field that's prompting discussion. The weekend spent at his former stomping grounds sparked speculation about whether he's happy with the Mets or if he regrets not re-signing with the Yankees.

Walker Buehler K's Juan Soto for his first of the night

: @TBSNetwork pic.twitter.com/Uc6inIlxZl
— B/R Walk-Off (@BRWalkoff) May 20, 2025

However, not everybody is ready to throw in the towel regarding Soto's Mets tenure. In fact, Yankees legendary pitcher CC Sabathia showed his support for Soto, which he conveyed in a recent interview with New York Post Sports.

"I mean, I just feel like the first year for guys going over to the Mets, they struggle. I feel like Lindor had the same thing until about August of last year, or the second half of last year, is when he kind of settled in as a Met," Sabathia said, per an X post from New York Post Sports. "So I just think it takes a while."

When Sabathia was asked whether this is a New York thing or just as a Met, Sabathia said, "I feel like the stars that go to the Mets, it takes them like a year to kind of settle in. I don't know why. I don't know why, but I feel like I've seen the same thing with Lindor, and now he's the king of Queens. And so I think Soto can do the same thing."

"I feel like I've seen the same thing with Lindor, and now he's the king of Queens."

CC Sabathia gives his thoughts on Juan Soto's early struggles pic.twitter.com/GKIDQg8BCP
— New York Post Sports (@nypostsports) May 20, 2025