Is Juan Soto Worth $765 Million, or Is He Overhyped?
A $765 million contract should signify an elite player, right? While the New York Mets believe they’ve secured a generational talent in Juan Soto, not everyone is convinced. Veteran scout Tyler Kepner has raised doubts about whether Soto’s overall game truly matches the hype surrounding his record-setting deal. According to Kepner, Soto’s name recognition may outweigh his actual contributions on the field.
Kepner’s Bold Comparison: Is Soto Just Brian Giles 2.0?
Kepner did not hold back in his critique, acknowledging that while Soto is an elite hitter, his defensive shortcomings and lack of baserunning impact prevent him from being the all-around superstar many assume. He went as far as comparing Soto to former MLB player Brian Giles—a great hitter who never reached true superstar status due to his defensive limitations.
“Giles was an elite hitter,” Kepner explained. “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.”
Though this comparison spans different eras, it raises an important question: Are today’s massive contracts purely based on offensive production, or should a player’s overall skill set factor more into their valuation?
Can Soto Improve His Weaknesses?
Despite the criticisms, it’s important to recognize that Soto is only 26 years old, leaving room for growth. Kepner himself admitted that Soto could refine his defense as he matures, potentially addressing the main concern surrounding his game.
Even with his flaws, Soto remains one of the most feared hitters in the league. Whether or not he ever reaches true all-around elite status, his offensive numbers alone make him one of the most valuable assets in baseball.
Will 2025 Be Soto’s MVP Year?
The Mets have never had a player win an MVP award, but that could change with Soto. Over his career, he has finished in the top 10 of MVP voting five times, including three top-five finishes. His closest call came in 2021 when he was the runner-up for National League MVP.
After leading the American League in runs last season and smashing 41 home runs, Soto has the potential to elevate his game even further. If he maintains—or even improves—his production while leading the Mets to success, 2025 could be the year he finally claims baseball’s most prestigious individual honor.
A Defining Moment for the Mets and Soto
Whether Soto is truly worth his historic contract or if his value has been inflated by media hype remains a topic of debate. If he wins an MVP and delivers a championship-level performance, the Mets will look like geniuses for making the investment. However, if his defensive struggles persist and his production plateaus, critics will continue questioning whether his contract was a wise decision.
For now, the baseball world watches closely as Juan Soto begins his journey in New York, ready to prove whether he’s a true legend in the making—or just the product of a well-crafted narrative.