Juan Soto was officially activated off the injured list on Wednesday, returning to the New York Mets lineup after missing 15 games with a right calf strain. His return comes at a much-needed time, as the roster has struggled mightily without him and entered Wednesday’s game against the Minnesota Twins looking to snap a 12-game losing streak.
Soto’s absence has been felt throughout the lineup, and it is clear why. The Mets had no replacement for his production. The 27-year-old outfielder had posted a .355 batting average, .412 on-base percentage, .928 OPS, one home run and five RBIs in eight games before going down.
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Soto spoke with reporters before his return to the lineup, officially slotted in as the designated hitter to ease him back into action. He did not go on a rehab assignment.
When asked whether he had spoken to his teammates during the skid, he replied, “They've been on the road most of the time. I haven't talked to them.” Soto had been rehabbing in Queens and was not present with the team during its most recent road trip.
His decision to not speak with his teammates quickly drew angry reactions from Mets fans. Soto is currently playing under a massive 15-year, $765 million contract, the largest in MLB history, and many fans hoped that investment would translate into a stronger leadership presence in the clubhouse.
"Soto still hasn't smiled as a Met btw," wrote one fan.
"Never liked him and this just seals it. Hard to believe he wouldn’t just check in with a few of them. He’s just in it for himself it seems. Definitely not a leader," added another.
A fan wrote, "So no motivation to try and get his own teammates going? Wow, showing his true colors of someone who doesn't care."
"What?!? Something is completely off with this team. 750 million dollar contract and zero leadership or care on his part. Just collects his pay check, and gets his home runs. This is a despicable quote," said one more.
Another said, "800M for a guy who wants no part of being a leader."
It is understandable why Mets fans are frustrated. The team entered the season with the second-highest payroll in baseball and has fallen far short of expectations. Soto’s return should help, of course. He is one of the best players of his generation, a four-time All-Star and six-time Silver Slugger, and his bat immediately lengthens the lineup.
But even with Soto back, climbing out of the hole they have dug will require a complete turnaround from the rest of the roster.
