The Subway Series was always going to be an important one. However, the way it turned out shocked the Yankee Nation. Though the New York Yankees were coming off three series losses, few expected them to collapse like they did against the New York Mets. But with an embarrassing 12-2 score, the Yankees got swept by the Mets. But in this loss, there was one comment from the announcer that turned multiple heads. It was him calling Juan Soto a “liability.” 

Juan Soto’s scouting report highlights his weak defensive skills. While he excels offensively, his defensive abilities have often been a point of concern. In 2024, there have been signs of improvement, possibly influenced by Yankee Stadium’s short right field dimensions or his personal growth. However, during a recent game against the Mets, Soto’s defensive shortcomings resurfaced, sparking notable criticism.

The Mets were up 3-0 in the fifth inning when former Yankee Harrison Bader hit a flyball to the right field. While Juan Soto did run behind it, the superstar was not able to track the ball and failed to catch it. That allowed the New York Mets to score a run and increase their lead to 4-0. That was when the Mets’ color commentator Keith Hernandez gave his comments on Soto’s performance. “He’s been a liability out there,” Hernandez said. “You wonder why they want to play him in the deepest corner outfield position in this ballpark.” 

The announcer agreed, noting that it’s understandable why Soto plays right field in Yankee Stadium, given its shorter dimensions. However, it makes little sense to place him in a similar position at Citi Field, where the right field is deeper. This raises a logical question, as the Bronx Bombers have already adjusted Soto’s position once to accommodate his defensive weakness.

During their series with the Boston Red Sox, the Yankees had made Soto play the left field. That was specifically done to give Alex Verdugo access to the longer right field. So why didn’t they do the same here? One wonders if comments like this can hurt Soto’s valuation. However, the real worry is the Yankees’ current form.

Juan Soto and Aaron Judge can’t solve the New York Yankees’ recent woes 

Despite Juan Soto and Aaron Judge’s usual offensive brilliance, the Yankees’ lack of quality hitters is once again visible. The non-Soto and non-Judge hitters went an awful .145 in this two-game series. They couldn’t even muster up an extra-base hit and that is a scary situation. On top of that Luis Gil had another problematic game, which has suddenly turned the rotation into an issue. 

As a result, the New York Yankees, who won 19 of their first 22 series, have now lost their fourth straight one. Additionally, they’ve lost eight of their last ten games, which is a worrying sign. Though they remain 52-30 and are still in contention for playoff qualification, they don’t look quite as invincible as they did just a few weeks ago. Aaron Boone surely has his work cut out for him; he wouldn’t want a collapse similar to 2023 again.

On the other hand, the New York Mets are flying high. With this win, they’re 39-39 and have a .500 for the first time since May 7. Slowly the team’s getting close to a Wild Card position and that is something that not many fans expected out of them this season.

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