In the swirl of early-season headlines surrounding the Mets, one name has taken center stage: Juan Soto. Once hailed as a blockbuster addition and a key pillar of the team’s offensive engine, Soto is now drawing attention for less celebratory reasons. Well, you know the reason! While his recent slump at the plate has sparked concern, it’s the subtle shift in the batting order that caught all eyes.

Yes, if you have missed, Soto is demoted from the coveted second spot down to third. On paper, the move might seem like a routine strategic tweak. But behind the scenes, whispers of deeper friction are growing louder. So, is this a quiet message from the coaching staff, a not-so-subtle demotion meant to jolt Soto out of his funk? Or is it the spark of a larger rift brewing between superstar and franchise?

Well, while the Soto storyline may be just heating up, it looks like we might need to take the rumors with a pinch of salt.

“I don’t mind hitting second or third. I feel comfortable in either spot,” Soto said in an interview before Friday’s game.

It was rumored that the decision to place Soto from second to third was taken against his will. And this might be the reason behind that infamous strikeout of Soto against the Red Sox, without swinging the bat. But things are different behind the scenes. For those unaware, Soto has previously hit third in batting orders, both earlier in his career with the Nationals and Padres.

Before any further rumors of friction could gain traction, Soto himself addressed the change with poise. “My whole life, minor leagues all the way to the big leagues, I always hit in the third or fourth hole,” he said, brushing off any suggestion of demotion. More importantly, he revealed that Mets manager Carlos Mendoza discussed the decision with him beforehand, and he’s fully on board.

You can conclude from here that Soto is looking ready to bat in any position for the team’s best interest. You know that’s how superstars play for the team.

Hence, rather than rebellion, Soto’s response projects leadership. However, in the pressure cooker of New York baseball, even a small adjustment can spark larger questions. Is this merely about lineup optimization, or an early test of chemistry between Soto and the Mets’ brain trust? Either way, this could shape not only the trajectory of Soto’s season but also the tone of the clubhouse in the months to come.

Soto is still far away from his prime

The Mets moved Juan Soto as the third batter in the lineup against the Red Sox, hoping the superstar would spark the offense against a tough lefty in Boston’s Garrett Crochet. Instead, Soto delivered a baffling response!

For the unversed, in his first at-bat, Soto never took the bat off his shoulder, striking out looking on three pitches. The next trip to the plate brought more of the same. Again, the same script with no swings, no resistance. Guess what, it was just a surrender. But why? Not comfortable at the third? But Soto just acknowledged he is comfortable playing in a different rank.

Yes, the pitcher was Crochet, a Cy Young contender. Still, do you expect a $765 million superstar to be completely overmatched? No. Hence, something’s off with Soto right now. Something the Mets can’t afford for that to continue.

While we still cannot write Soto off because he’s hitting to an .804 OPS, decent by most standards. Yet, that’s far from the MVP-level production the Mets expected and paid for.

Right now, the fans can only hope to get back the Soto Shuffle once the league goes deep. You know you can’t write off a play when the name is Juan Soto.