A $765 million contract should scream “elite,” right? Well, not everyone is buying the hype. While the Mets believe they landed a once-in-a-lifetime slugger in Juan Soto, veteran scout Tyler Kepner is throwing some serious shade. He argues that Soto’s name might be worth more than his actual game. Superstar status—or just a really good PR team?
“Juan Soto is overrated“- Kepler did not hold back while suggesting that his offensive prowess is impressive, but his weaknesses in defense and baserunning hold him back from being the complete player many assume. Kepler drew an unexpected comparison to Brian Giles, a player similar to Soto. Excelling at the plate yet never garnering attention due to defensive limitations.
“Giles was an elite hitter,” Kepner said. “But he wasn’t a game-changer defensively or on the bases. Soto is the same — he’s got a great bat, but he doesn’t offer much outside of that.” The comparison might feel surprising given the different eras, but it does raise a valid question on how we value players now versus in the past.
Despite Kepner’s criticism, it’s important to recognize that Soto is still only 26 years old, and there’s plenty of time for him to evolve his game. “He could always improve his defense as he matures,” he acknowledged. Soto has still room to grow. He may not be the perfect package yet, but that doesn’t take away the fact that his potential is any less!
Ultimately, whether Soto is truly overrated or simply a product of inflated expectations depends on how we measure a player’s worth. While his bat is undeniably elite level, the question remains whether his defense will ever rise to his offensive skills. The answer to that could reshape how we view Soto’s place on the elite table.
Is 2025 the year Juan Soto wins MVP and shakes up Mets’ history?
What if the New York Mets’ long wait for an MVP winner finally ends in 2025? For years the franchise has been close yet never quite there with a Mets player claiming the coveted award. However, that could change!
Juan Soto, the $765 million star, has been predicted to be the Mets’ first-ever MVP! Is the time finally right for Soto to join the ranks of the league’s elite and bring home the hardware?
Soto, already an established star, has finished in the top 10 of the MVP voting five times in his career, with three of those finishes in the top five. His closest yet came in 2021, when he finished as the runner-up in National League MVP. With such a consistent history of being in the MVP conversation, it’s not hard to see why Soto is primed for a breakthrough in 2025.
But could he really elevate his game even further at this stage of his career?
Despite already being in the upper lot of baseball talent, Soto is just getting started. At just 26, for him, the sky is the limit. After leading the American League in runs last year and hitting 41 home runs, Soto has the potential to do even more. He could challenge for the lead in RBIs, runs, and homers, all while carrying the Mets to an improved record.
So if Soto lives up to his immense potential and delivers a historic season, the Mets may finally break their MVP drought!
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