Juan Soto spoke with the media ahead of his return to the New York Mets on Wednesday afternoon. You would think that Soto's return to a scuffling team would be a good thing. However, his interview with reporters on Wednesday did the opposite.
The Mets are the most disappointing team in baseball this season. And one of the most disappointing teams in recent years. New York has lost 12 straight games. No team in MLB history has ever made the playoffs after losing 12 games in a row.
New York entered the season with high expectations, too. The Mets have the second-highest payroll in baseball this year. They've spent $508,568,606 on their roster, including the luxury tax. They trail only the Dodgers, who have spent $580,365,142.
Soto, who signed the richest contract in MLB history, is supposed to be providing the Mets with a huge boost.
Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images.
However, on Wednesday, he spoke to the media, and ended up just making things worse. When asked if he had spoken to any of his teammates during his recent IL stint, he said bluntly: "No."
"They've been on the road most of the time," he said.
"I haven't talked to them."
Ouch.
Soto, who signed a 15-year, $765 million contract with the Mets, is supposed to be providing more than just great hitting. At that level of contract, he should be a leader. He's a World Series champion, after all, helping the Nationals win it all in 2019.
But amid growing speculation of a possible clubhouse rift between Soto and Francisco Lindor, the former's session with the media did nothing but fuel the flames on Wednesday.
MLB fans are fascinated by what's happening in New York
"He’s an egotistical player that only cares about his numbers," one fan wrote.
"Honestly I wouldn’t wanna talk to those guys right now either," one shared.
"Soto still hasn't smiled as a met," one shared.
"So no motivation or trying to get his own team mates going? Wow, showing his true colors of someone who doesn't care," one added.
"Wow, really horrible that you don't have one friend on the team," one added.
The Mets, 7-16 on the season, will take on the Twins on Wednesday night, as they look to stop their 12-game losing streak.
