Remember back in 2022, when asked about his pregame meal, Juan Soto said, “I tell all the kids I do peanut butter; jelly most of the time.” You heard that right! Soto is a fan of cheat day meals, as long as he is keeping his diet balanced with “something light, fruits, and maybe some seeds.” The Dominican star indeed has a great fitness regimen, and a balanced diet. But, of late, the outfielder received some scrutiny for his physique.

After signing a $765 million contract with the New York Mets, Soto was seen preparing for the Spring training at the Mets camp. However, if not his training attire, Soto’s physique got people talking on social media.

On February 8th, New York Mets X handle shared a sneak peek of Soto’s Spring training activities. In the video, he can be seen running on the circumference of the field.

But from off-season trades to the verge of spring training – you can’t deny that he keeps coming back to the headlines! With an annual average value of about $51 million and an opt-out clause after 2029, this Dominican player’s valuation could cross the $800 million mark (if he doesn’t choose the clause). Can you believe that! 

In 2024 he was phenomenal, finishing as the second-highest run-scorer in all of Major League Baseball, racking up an impressive 128 runs. Only three players outslugged him with more home runs! His batting average? A solid .288, landing him in the top 16 across the league and the biggest contract with the New York Mets!   

But seems none of it matters to the fans other than his current external appearance!

So, can you blame the concern over his fitness? His physique disturbed the audience when they saw his back-to-the-field preparation video on X. It was not how he ran on the ground (without any seeming lethargy) but how he looked wearing that hoodie and shorts! However, let’s go a little back here!

Fans react to Juan Soto’s spring training video on the internet  

Some might find them brutal, but some fans did take playful shots at Juan Soto in the comment section of the SNY Mets’ post.

“Fat and out of shape” – referring to Soto’s physique. Fans saw an unhealthy Soto in the video. While he’s not known for being particularly muscular like some other sluggers, Soto’s performance on the mound has rarely been out of that “perfect” shape in a conventional sense.   

One user seemed to be checking Soto’s outlook pretty intricately. For them, certain body parts of the slugger got fat! Even if that’s true, it could be because of the holidays, no? And the practice intensity seen in the video talks hugely about Soto’s own concerns about staying fit and performing his best this season!

X users couldn’t stop from poking fun at Soto’s spring training appearance, too. Baseball players usually wear cleats to ensure traction and stability for quick movements on the field. Juan Soto might have been seen casually wearing sneakers rather than the usual cleats. Could’ve been simple mockery or could’ve been serious concern from fans! What do you think?    

Another fan showed a bit more playful banter. “Take it easy killer just sit on the bench till opening day.” Spring training isn’t about going all-out, and Soto likely wasn’t playing at 100% intensity. It’s a chance for players to ease into the season, work on mechanics, and avoid injury. They might have been sarcastic about Soto being a proven star, so there’s little need to stress about him pushing too hard before the real games begin.

Taking a dig at Soto’s speed or perceived lack of it, and jabbing at his huge pay. While Soto’s game revolves around his bat more than his base running, he’s not exactly known for stealing bases or leading the league in speed. A near-about “$800 million” star, but not an all-rounder! Does that concern fans? 

But not everyone pushed their comments towards the Mets star. Some even brought the Yanks fans into the mix, seemingly calling them out for demeaning Soto. According to them, Juan Soto has not gained pounds; it’s just sheer jealousy from the rivals, intriguing them to lie “with a straight face.”

Well, most of the comments are lighthearted jabs, some more tongue-in-cheek than others, about Juan Soto‘s appearance and style during spring training. In reality, though, Soto’s numbers speak for themselves, and his relaxed approach during the off-season or spring training cannot take away the fact that he’s one of the best hitters in the game. And we cannot wait to see him play for the Mets. How excited are you?