In a moment that has rocked the New York Mets fanbase and stirred controversy across MLB, Dwight “Doc” Gooden, one of the most beloved legends in Mets history, offered a brutal critique of superstar Juan Soto during a podcast interview Monday night:

“With all due respect, Juan Soto is probably the worst high-contract signing the Mets have ever made. For that kind of money? He hasn’t delivered.”

Gooden, known for his dominant pitching in the 1980s and his emotional connection to the franchise, said he had “expected fireworks” when Soto signed his record-breaking deal with New York in 2024, but instead saw “a lack of urgency, leadership, and consistency.”

“He came in with swagger,” Gooden added, “but swagger doesn’t win you ballgames in Queens.”

💰 The Weight of a Record Contract

Juan Soto signed a 10-year, $430 million contract with the Mets after a blockbuster offseason deal that stunned the league. The expectation was clear: carry the franchise. So far, Soto has posted respectable numbers — .268 average, 21 HRs, 67 RBIs through mid-2025 — but many fans agree he hasn’t lived up to the hype.

Worse yet, reports have emerged of tensions in the clubhouse, particularly following Soto’s controversial comment earlier this season about refusing to play when Luisangel Acuña is in the lineup — a remark that raised eyebrows across MLB.

🗣️ Juan Soto Responds

When asked about Gooden’s comments after the Mets’ 6-4 loss to the Phillies on Tuesday night, Soto didn’t deflect — but he didn’t hold back, either.

“Doc Gooden’s a legend. I grew up hearing about what he meant to this city. But I didn’t come here to be liked — I came here to win.”

“If I’m the worst high-contract guy in Mets history, give me the rest of the season to change that narrative. I’m not hiding. I hear the boos. I see the headlines. Let’s see where we are in October.”

Soto ended the brief presser with a sharp message:

“I respect the legends. But I’m still writing my chapter.”

📉 Fan Reactions: A City Divided

Mets fans are split. Some are furious that Soto hasn’t stepped up:

“He’s been invisible in big games,” said longtime fan Anthony Ricciardi.
“This ain’t D.C., this is New York. Pressure comes standard.”

Others are more forgiving:

“Yeah, he’s struggling. But you don’t turn on a 26-year-old star halfway through a deal,” said TikTok personality @MetsMarv.
“Give the man time.”

The moment has only deepened what was already a tense season, with the Mets hovering around .500 and barely holding onto a Wild Card spot.

⚾ Gooden’s Clarification: “I Just Want More”

In a follow-up call with the New York Post, Gooden clarified:

“It’s not personal. I just want Juan to be the star we paid for. I want to be wrong about this. I hope he proves me wrong.”

Still, the damage may already be done — not just to Soto’s reputation, but to his relationship with a fanbase craving a hero.

🏁 What’s Next?

With media pressure intensifying and the Mets desperately trying to claw into playoff contention, all eyes are now on Soto. He’s still one of the most talented hitters in the game — but in New York, talent must become legacy, or else the city will chew you up and spit you out.

For Juan Soto, the rest of the 2025 season may not just be about home runs.

It might be about redemption.