This season, the New York Mets have burst out of the gates, sparking a firestorm of enthusiasm among their devoted fan base! Forget about those ancient records; the Mets are already burning the league with a remarkable 21-9 start. This is a statement, a loud proclamation that this year could be unique in Queens, not only a solid run.

For the Mets, everything is going smoothly. The pitchers are performing well, the hitters are hitting well, and the team is playing classy baseball as a whole. But in the dynamic ecology of New York sports discourse, where every viewpoint is analyzed and argued with passionate intensity, an opposing voice has surfaced. Pointing at their $765 million acquisition. Yes, you got it right, Juan Soto. Why? The slow start!

Even though the Mets’ general success eased worries, the attention stayed on Soto. A WFAN Sports Radio host, among others, voiced his concerns about Soto’s play. But was he worried? Or is it just insecurity speaking? Sal Licata on a podcast said, “Juan Soto’s slow start is what’s holding him back from fully embracing the Mets hot start to the season.” 

Yes, he’s not hitting as expected, but there are games left, and his numbers aren’t that bad. With a .250 batting average, three home runs, twelve RBIs, and a .772 OPS. However, Sal Licata’s ongoing attacks on Juan Soto’s Mets performance seem to come from a more profound fear about the Yankees’ fan base.

Licata’s emphasis on Soto’s poor beginning calls into question his motives. Some fans think Licata’s criticisms are motivated by a need to diminish Soto’s success in Queens, maybe to offset the impression that the Yankees lost out on a significant talent.

Just a few days back, even Jeff Passan appreciated the Mets. He said,  “I love what the New York Mets are doing. They just got good vibes around that team right now… the thing is, the Mets want to be like the Dodgers’ path. Like that’s the goal at the end of the day.”

Well, in today’s period, it doesn’t take much time to react, thanks to social media, and the same happened when he criticised Soto. Fans didn’t hesitate before writing their honest opinions.

Fan reacts with mix of defensiveness and discontent

The Mets are in a position that greatly delights and honors a fanbase that has suffered its share of highs and lows. Seeing a team excel at this level is a reason to celebrate after years of hoping and waiting. Many naturally find it annoying to think that someone inside the New York sports media scene would choose to emphasise a perceived personal flaw during this time of group achievement.

Soto leaving the Yankees and choosing to go to a rival team was a bitter truth that doesn’t seem to have been accepted yet. “Then you’re not a Mets fan if you can’t enjoy having the best record in the league. Sal is obsessed with Soto because he is insecure to Yankee fans. Grow up.”  Fans are frustrated! A scrutiny of what if? What if Soto performs way better than he did with the Bronx?

Pulling down their favourites? Oh, Metseies will not let you do that, “Clown show, clown hosts. Do better.”  It conveys a general feeling that media figures should at least align their stories with the team’s upward path. Instead of always looking at the negatives.

A request, with a hint of sarcasm, for the host to review his stance. “Please Sal, root for another team. Thank you Mets fans!” It suggests that the host’s criticisms are uninvited and that his loyalty could be called into doubt. A close relationship between supporters and their club is evident.

Oops, a harsh one. “Best team in baseball, and you are desperately looking for something negative. FIRE THESE TWO 🤡. Everyone hates them.” After saying negative things about their team when they are at the top, do you think you will be spared? Oh, not gonna happen!

Echoing with every other Met fan, “Sal is clueless as usual. Child.” Judging a player with few games, even after a whole sprint is left, is a little unfair. It takes time for a player to adjust to a new team, and the same is true for Soto. 

Elite players are often criticized, but Licata’s timing and emphasis bothered Mets fans eager to celebrate their team’s great performance. Fans’ bias accusations and outright hatred demonstrate a desire for the media narrative to reflect the positive reality of the field.

As the season progresses, we’ll see if Soto’s play matches his career norms.