In a high-octane faceoff between the New York Mets and Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park, Mets superstar Juan Soto was at the center of discussions. Having high expectations of Soto and knowing his extraordinary talent, the comeback appeared certain after his early-season setbacks. However, it wasn’t just for him; the team as a whole was trying to salvage the season after a dismal start. But even though the Mets prevailed, Juan Soto let his supporters down once more. Yankees fan Rich Eisen has now sent him some stern messages, adding salt to his already open wounds. 

After the Mets signed Juan Soto for a massive fifteen-year, $765 million contract last December, the expectations were high. But along with it comes media scrutiny, considering that he signed the biggest contract in MLB history. However, Soto failed to live up to the hype with a mere .243 average, eight home runs, and 21 RBIs, with a .374 OBP and a .803 OPS.

Since Juan Soto has failed to make a big impression, Rich Eisen has continued to use the excuse that Juan Soto isn’t working hard to make fun of Mets fan TJ Jefferson. “If you had told me when I was sitting here, railing on Juan Soto for calling New York a Mets town because it wasn’t just the money that he took from the Yankees and it was a mercenary move, obviously, it left me burnt. I loved watching Juan Soto with the Yankees, him and Judge. I had visions of the two of them basically going into the Hall of Fame together.”

But was it really all about the money?

Well, that’s a million-dollar question, but it cannot be denied either that the All-Star outfielder has been in the best of form since he was traded from the Yankees’ pinstripes to the blue and orange jersey. And it was quite evident at Fenway Park when he didn’t hustle for a second. Simply, there’s no excuse for it.

Stressing the lack of hustle, Rich Eisen said, “Juan Soto, Fenway Park – it’s not something that he’s used to playing in and being booed, okay? When you hit one towards the Fen to the Green Monster, it might not go out because it’s a very tall wall.” And it’s true—he hit a high fly ball to the left field, which he thought was a home run, only to find it hit the Green Monster. To make matters worse, he turned into a single instead of taking a run, which would have resulted in a double. But the criticism didn’t end here!

Additionally, American radio host Chris Russo delivered a biting critique, pointing out that Juan Soto is not Mickey Mantle, Joe DiMaggio, or Aaron Judge. They didn’t leave before spending fifteen years with a team and here is Soto, who “would play on the moon if it was $5 more,” according to Russo. It might sound harsh to some, but it’s true that Soto was in Washington, then San Diego, then the Yankees, and now the Mets.

So amid all this criticism, is it fair to say Juan Soto’s time might just be over?

It is too early this season to judge Juan Soto 

Although many may believe that Juan Soto should give it his all because he is so wealthy, it is also true that there is still a lot of this season left. After all, the athletes are also human beings and we must treat them as such during their good as well as bad times. It is indisputable, though, that the outfielder hasn’t performed well even after being moved to the third position in the batting order. Juan Soto seemingly didn’t like the move, and it was visible while he was at bat against Boston’s ace, Garrett Crochet.

While he might be the number one enemy for the Yankees, especially after the chorus of boos that echoed the stadium during the faceoff, let’s not judge him too early. Manager Carlos Mendoza, when asked about his solo hit at Fenway Park, said, “We’ll talk to him about it… In this ballpark, anywhere but in particular this one with that wall right there, you have to get out of the box.”

For Juan Soto, the criticism has reached a point where it’s either now or never. However, considering his unquestionable talent and potential, it is by no means a conclusion. There are many obstacles in Soto’s path, but for a player of his calibre, it can be a great way to spot the right opportunities and pave the way for his ascent to fame and, possibly, redemption.

Juan Soto’s current form is a reminder of highs and lows in sports. However, it’s just a matter of time until he gets back to work and we hope he surely will. Till then, all eyes will remain on him.