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Yankees Pitcher Says He is Ready for the Juan Soto Shuffle

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Kristie Ackert | Last updated May 16, 2025 3:32 PM ET

It’s meant to intimidate. It’s the showman in Juan Soto. He recognizes the big moment, he sways his hips, taps his feet, goes into his deep squat and stares daggers out at the pitcher on the mound.

And it will be hard for New York Mets’ right-hander Clarke Schmidt not to laugh at it if Soto tries it on him Saturday night.

“It’s all part of it,” Schmidt told the New York Post. “Typically that means it’s a borderline pitch. I don’t take offense to anything. He’s kind of a showman and he’s very competitive. If I strike someone out, maybe I’ll stare him down. I’m not afraid to let him know and he’s not afraid to let me know.”

Soto's signature "Soto Shuffle," a mix of hip sways, leg taps, and intense stares, has long been a psychological tool to unnerve pitchers. Schmidt and Carlos Rodon, who will face Soto and the New York Mets the first two nights of the Subway Series, know how Soto uses the shuffle better than most.

As teammates in 2024 not only did Schmidt and Soto become friends, but he and Rodon had an extended chance to study how Soto battles pitchers.

Schmidt has never faced Soto in a game. Rodon has faced the 26-year-old slugger in one game, three at-bats. He held him hitless.

With Soto making his first return to the Bronx since spurning the Yankees and signing a $765 million deal with the crosstown rival Mets, the at-bats this weekend will be particularly interesting.

Schmidt is actually looking forward to facing Soto.

"He’s very, very clutch,” Schmidt noted. “So I feel like with the fans, it’s going to be a fun atmosphere.”

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

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