Doug Mientkiewicz, a former MLB player and World Series champion, recently voiced a critical opinion regarding the New York Yankees’ handling of star outfielder Juan Soto. According to Mientkiewicz, the Yankees’ lack of proactive measures during the offseason may have directly influenced Soto’s decision to join their crosstown rivals, the New York Mets, on a record-breaking $765 million deal.
Mientkiewicz pointed to Soto’s demeanor during the 2024 World Series, particularly in Game 2, as a clear sign of his frustration. He observed that Soto’s body language indicated he was exhausted, both emotionally and physically, from having to carry the offensive load of his team. While Soto continued to perform at an elite level, his visible fatigue suggested that he was drained by the lack of support from his teammates. This frustration, as per Mientkiewicz, played a significant role in Soto seeking a fresh start with a team ready to invest heavily in its future.
“I think if you read Juan Soto’s face in the World Series, it looked like he was done.”@DMEASrecruiting thinks Juan Soto got exhausted from the lack of help he got in the Fall Classic. pic.twitter.com/bc2v92CdQy
— Foul Territory (@FoulTerritoryTV) January 10, 2025
The Yankees’ missed opportunity to sign Soto, Mientkiewicz suggested, highlighted a flaw in their offseason strategy. He criticized the organization for prioritizing pitching over the acquisition of a power hitter. While the Yankees focused on bolstering their rotation, they overlooked the chance to add a generational talent like Soto to their lineup. Meanwhile, the Mets, eager to rebound from a disappointing season, seized the opportunity and acted decisively to bring Soto aboard.
The Mets’ massive financial commitment to Soto has been viewed as a risky but necessary move to reshape their fortunes. Mientkiewicz argued that while the Yankees appeared hesitant to match the urgency and vision of the Mets, their lack of action effectively handed their rivals a competitive edge. The deal also emphasized the stark contrast between the approaches of the two New York teams: the Mets sought a transformative player, while the Yankees seemed more cautious in their pursuits.
This missed opportunity for the Yankees has sparked debates about its broader implications for the New York baseball rivalry. With Soto now anchoring the Mets’ lineup, the balance of power in the city could shift, putting additional pressure on the Yankees to respond.
Adding to the Yankees’ concerns is their recent acquisition of ace pitcher Max Fried. While Fried bolsters their rotation, there are lingering questions about his long-term durability due to his history with Tommy John surgery. Medical experts have noted that pitchers often face performance declines or additional injuries within five to six years after undergoing the procedure. As Fried approaches this critical period, the Yankees may need to carefully manage his workload to ensure he remains effective and healthy.
The combination of the Yankees’ cautious approach to Soto and potential uncertainties surrounding Fried could pose challenges for the team as they prepare for the 2025 season. While both teams aim to solidify their standing, the Mets’ aggressive offseason moves have positioned them as a formidable contender, reigniting the fierce New York baseball rivalry.
The question now is whether Soto’s move to the Mets represents one of the Yankees’ most significant missteps in recent history. As fans and analysts debate the impact of these developments, it remains to be seen which team will dominate the headlines and standings in the coming season.