SHOCKING CONFESSION: Juan Soto Reveals Major Difference Playing for Mets Over Yankees

Introduction A New Chapter in Queens Begins with a Candid Reflection

When Juan Soto signed a record-breaking 15-year, $765 million deal with the New York Mets, the baseball world was stunned. Many believed the Bronx was his destined long-term home after a historic season with the Yankees. Instead, Soto crossed boroughs and joined the Mets — a franchise hungry for a title and desperate to reclaim relevance.

Nearly three weeks into the 2025 season, the Mets sit atop the NL East at 11-5. Soto is adjusting well to life in Queens, but in a recent exclusive with The New York Post, he offered a surprising take that’s turning heads. According to Soto, the biggest difference between wearing pinstripes and suiting up in blue and orange isn’t the fans, the media, or the pressure — it’s the way pitchers are treating him at the plate.

Pitchers Are Avoiding Him and Soto Knows Why

So far in his Mets tenure, Soto has noticed one glaring trend — pitchers are staying away. The four-time All-Star, known for his elite plate discipline, revealed that opposing arms are being far more cautious now than when he was with the Yankees. It’s not that he’s lost power or presence — it’s that he’s no longer protected by the most feared hitter in baseball.

Last year, with Aaron Judge batting behind him, Soto was regularly challenged in the strike zone. As a result, he posted career highs in runs scored (128) and home runs (41). Together, he and Judge smashed a jaw-dropping 99 homers, forming one of the most dangerous duos in MLB history.

But in 2025, Soto stands mostly alone.

Lack of Protection Is Limiting His Power

Now the focal point of the Mets’ offense, Soto has become the most circled name in every opposing pitcher’s game plan. With no Judge waiting behind him, pitchers are opting to nibble around the zone or issue free passes altogether. Through just 56 at-bats this season, Soto has been walked 14 times, including twice intentionally. He has only two home runs and six RBIs.

This change in approach has frustrated Soto — not because he’s slumping, but because he’s not being given the chance to swing. “I’m just waiting for them to attack me,” he told The Post. “I’m seeing the ball well, but there’s not much to swing at.”

The Mets Lineup Needs More Firepower Behind Soto

While the top of the Mets’ lineup features strong names like Francisco Lindor, Pete Alonso, and Brandon Nimmo — all off to solid starts — it’s clear that Soto isn’t getting the same lineup protection he once had. The bottom of the order hasn’t produced consistently enough to force pitchers to pitch to Soto, and that could be a growing concern as the season progresses.

The Mets have the talent, but they’re still looking for a complementary bat that can strike fear the way Judge did in the Bronx. Until then, Soto may continue to see fewer hittable pitches, limiting his ability to put up the monster numbers fans came to expect in 2024.

Is This a Problem or Just a Temporary Adjustment?

Soto isn’t worried — yet. He’s still drawing walks, still impacting games, and still showing why he’s worth every dollar of that massive contract. But the Mets will need to make some adjustments if they want to maximize his production. Whether that’s moving up a hot bat behind him or making a midseason addition remains to be seen.

What’s clear is that pitchers respect Soto more than ever. But that respect is starting to cost the Mets in run production, and something may need to give.

Conclusion Soto’s Honesty Opens the Door to a Bigger Conversation

Juan Soto’s confession isn’t just an insightful peek into his mindset — it’s a wake-up call for the Mets. Having a generational talent is one thing. Protecting him and maximizing his impact? That’s the real challenge.

The Mets are off to a hot start, but for them to remain a serious contender deep into the season, they’ll need to give Soto more chances to do what he does best — hit. Until then, the walks will pile up, and so will the questions about how to truly unleash the superstar in Queens.