Juan Soto Criticized for Lack of Hustle in Yankees Loss

Juan Soto's return to the Bronx was marred by criticism over his effort on a key ninth-inning play, even as the New York Mets star was honored for his historic 2025 campaign. The $765 million outfielder was called out by fans for a perceived lack of hustle on a game-ending double play in Friday's 6-4 loss to the New York Yankees. This incident came just a day before he received his third career LatinoMVP award, cementing his status among the game's great Latino players.

Soto stepped to the plate in the bottom of the ninth on Friday, September 11, with his team trailing the Yankees 6-4. Facing reliever David Bednar, he hit a ground ball that turned into a series-ending double play. Replays showed Soto's jog down the first base line, sparking immediate backlash from fans online. Comments ranged from jokes about his record-breaking $765 million contract weighing him down to critiques of his effort in a clutch moment. Soto, who went 1-for-5 in the game, has been limited to 96 games this season due to two separate calf injuries. The hostile reception from Yankees fans, who have booed him since he left for the Mets, was something he acknowledged before the series. "They know I gave my best to them," Soto said. "Some of them appreciate it. Some of them don't. You can't control that."

Despite the recent scrutiny, Soto's underlying numbers for the 2026 season remain solid. Through 95 games, he owns a.275 batting average with a.397 on-base percentage and a.528 slugging percentage, good for a.925 OPS. He has 92 hits and 59 RBI over 335 plate appearances. His prop bets for the Yankees game reflected his consistent production, with lines set at 1.5 total bases and one base hit. A look at his career stats reveals the high standard he has set. Over 1,191 career games, Soto has a.281 average, a.415 on-base percentage, and 268 home runs. He has scored 830 runs and driven in 756.

On Saturday, September 12, Soto was presented with the 2025 National League LatinoMVP award by Latino Sports. This marks his third such honor, following wins in 2021 and 2024. With three awards, he now ties Juan Gonzalez for the second-most in history. Only Albert Pujols, with nine consecutive awards from 2003 to 2011, has more. "I’m really excited to be in a list where he is at the top," Soto said of Pujols, who managed him in the World Baseball Classic. Soto won the 2025 award on the strength of a remarkable season: 160 games played, 43 homers, a league-leading.396 on-base percentage, and a career-high 38 stolen bases. He finished third in the BBWAA MVP voting behind Shohei Ohtani and Kyle Schwarber. Soto called the recognition huge for the Latin community, representing players from the Dominican Republic, Venezuela, Puerto Rico, and beyond.

Away from the field and the awards ceremony, Soto made a positive community impact. Earlier in the week, he was among the Mets All-Stars who surprised young players at a youth baseball clinic in Brooklyn. This quieter moment provided a contrast to the intense scrutiny of his on-field performance and served as a reminder of his role as an ambassador for the game.

• Key Takeaways:
• Soto was criticized for not running hard on a game-ending double play in a 6-4 loss to the Yankees on September 11.
• He received his third career LatinoMVP award on September 12, tying him with Juan Gonzalez for second-most all-time.
• His 2025 award-winning season featured 43 HRs, a.396 OBP, and 38 stolen bases.
• Through 96 games in 2026, he is batting.275 with a.925 OPS, though injuries have been a factor.

Fans and analysts will now watch to see how Soto responds to the criticism as the Mets push through the final weeks of the season. His talent is undeniable, but moments like Friday's double play put his competitive fire under the microscope.