ST. LOUIS, Mo. - When Juan Soto swung through strike three, the boos at Citi Field were unmistakable. Fans were frustrated, wondering if the hefty investment in Soto was worth it.
It was May 28, 2025, and Soto, who had been struggling with an 0-for-6 skid against the White Sox, struck out again against a reliever sporting a 5.16 ERA. That day ended with an 0-for-4 line for Soto.
But as we now know, that wasn’t the end of the story. Despite the Mets’ struggles last season, Soto turned his slow start into one of the best campaigns of his career. He finished third in MVP voting, almost joined the exclusive 40-40 club, led the National League in homers and on-base percentage, and topped all of baseball in walks.
This turnaround reminds us that even players with immense talent face pressure, especially with a $765 million contract and the challenge of joining a new team, even if it’s just across town.
Enter Bo Bichette. While he isn’t Juan Soto, he’s a star in his own right, now playing in a new city for the first time. Bichette, 28, inked a three-year, $126 million deal to join the Mets, with a $40 million signing bonus that eclipses his earnings from his previous stint with the Blue Jays.
By Sunday, the new home crowd was already voicing their displeasure after Bichette’s seventh-inning strikeout against the Pirates, marking his MLB-leading eighth of the season. This from a player who struck out just 14.5% of the time last year, ranking in the 86th percentile.
It’s a moment to remember the lessons of the past. Perhaps Bichette deserves some patience.
Manager Carlos Mendoza reflected on the Soto situation, emphasizing the importance of communication. “You’re not the first and won’t be the last,” Mendoza noted.
“It’s an adjustment period with a new contract, team, and fan base. He’s a great player, and it’s just three games.”
Just three games. And Bichette seems to be handling the pressure with professionalism, acknowledging the boos and admitting he felt the weight of expectations from day one.
Baseball contracts often seem like Monopoly money, but athletes are human. They feel pressure and have expectations, especially when trying to justify enormous salaries.
Bichette is adjusting to a new role, and that transition demands mental focus. Yet, early signs show he’s had competitive at-bats, and a player known for making contact doesn’t suddenly lose that ability without reason.
Mendoza remains confident. “He understands the stage,” Mendoza said. “He knew what he signed up for and was excited about it.”
Bichette might not be enjoying it fully yet, but with time, things could change. And if impatience sets in, remember: Soto was once booed too.