The New York Mets, one of Major League Baseball’s most lavishly funded teams, continue to spiral downward. As of May 10 (early May 11 Japan time), the club held just 15 wins, a mark far below expectations for a franchise built on a massive payroll.
The spotlight has fallen squarely on Juan Soto, the slugger signed to a staggering ¥114.7 billion contract. In a desperate bid to spark the offense, the Mets inserted Soto into the leadoff spot, but the move backfired. He failed to produce, drawing sharp criticism from analysts who labeled the decision “clearly inappropriate” and questioned his overall fit within the struggling lineup.
Soto, once considered a cornerstone acquisition, now faces an uncertain role as the team scrambles to break free from a prolonged slump. With no immediate turnaround in sight, the pressure on both the front office and the star outfielder continues to mount.
