Juan Soto Faces Hustle Criticism and Ted Williams Debate

Juan Soto is at the center of a storm of criticism and debate following the New York Mets' recent Subway Series against the Yankees, with his effort and legacy both being questioned.

Analyst Dan Clark called out Soto for a perceived lack of hustle during the first two games of the series in the Bronx on September 11 and 12. Clark pointed to a game-ending double play on Friday and a play Saturday where Soto was tagged out, arguing he could have reached on an error. "What a disgrace," Clark wrote on social media, referencing Soto's $765 million contract. Soto did hit a home run in the Mets' 12-2 win on Saturday, but the critique of his effort has become a major talking point.

The Ted Williams Comparison Sparks Outrage

The debate over Soto's standing in the game grew even hotter this week. Veteran WFAN broadcaster Joe Benigno reacted with disgust to comparisons between Soto and Boston Red Sox legend Ted Williams. "I'm gonna vomit," Benigno said, calling Soto "overrated" and questioning his ability to deliver in big moments. This criticism came as former Met Pete Alonso received a hero's welcome and hit a game-tying homer at Citi Field, further fueling the conversation about Soto's impact in New York.

Soto Shows Love to a Viral Dodgers Prospect

Amid the controversy, Soto took a moment to support a young player drawing comparisons to him. He posted a clip of Dodgers prospect Josue De Paula on his Instagram story, calling him "el loco mio." The two share roots at the "El Niche" academy in the Dominican Republic and are both represented by Boras Corporation. De Paula, promoted last week, has a batting stance that has gone viral for its resemblance to Soto's iconic shuffle, though he says it's more about being locked in than direct imitation.

Soto's 2026 Season by the Numbers

Despite the noise, Soto's underlying production for the Mets remains strong. He is the team's leading offensive player, carrying a.925 OPS with 59 RBIs through 95 games. His plate discipline is still elite, with more walks (69) than strikeouts (53) this season. The Mets, however, remain eleven games out of a Wild Card spot, a reality that magnifies every perceived shortcoming.

Key Takeaways

• Soto was criticized for his base-running effort in games against the Yankees on September 11 and 12.
• Broadcaster Joe Benigno vehemently rejected comparisons between Soto and Hall of Famer Ted Williams.
• Soto publicly endorsed Dodgers prospect Josue De Paula, who shares his Dominican academy and batting style.
• His 2026 slash line is.275/.397/.528, making him the Mets' top offensive contributor.

Soto reflected on hitting a home run at Yankee Stadium, a place where he once played for the other side. He acknowledged the hostile environment but focused on the personal satisfaction of a good day at the plate. And while the external debates rage about his hustle and historical place, his connection to the next generation, like De Paula, shows his enduring influence on the game's style.