New York Mets beat writer Anthony DiComo stirred up a bit of a hornet’s list recently when he asked about the defensive issues of outfielder Juan Soto. It’s subpar, to say the least, whether you use the stats or the eye test, and DiComo about the possibility of the Mets using Soto as an occasional DH based on the team’s new commitment to defense and run prevention.
Mets manager Carlos Mendoza responded by saying that Soto doesn’t like to DH, which means the Mets either need to get on the same page with their superstar outfielder or help him improve his defense. Both would be ideal, of course, but the improvement on the field should take priority.
Is that really possible, though? It’s an issue that’s worth considering, and David Adler of MLB.com did just that in a recent piece. Let’s consider the questions he asked and provide some answers based on what’s possible.
Can Soto actually improve his defense?
Yes, in theory, but it won’t be easy. The ability to track fly balls and take the right route is a natural skill to some extent, as any defensive coach will readily point out. It can be improved through hard work, but the baseline is already there, and for Soto it’s the foundation for negative performance.
But Soto is a hard worker. He’s a grinder, in fact, so much so that he’ll put the effort in, as he stated in a recent interview held in the Dominican Winter League last week.
"Defense is going to become a cornerstone of my development in the coming years," Soto stated. "People think there’s nothing left to do, but the pride of a true baseball player is to keep showing something new, something different, in comparison to the rest."
Soto has already done this, actually, with his base running. It’s a different skill set, of course, but Soto stole 38 bases last season by working hard on that particular skill, which he’d never really shown much before.
Is there a precedent for this kind of improvement?
Yes, but it’s rare. DiComo cited Adolis Garcia of the Texas Rangers as the most recent example, as Garcia went from -12 outs above average in tthe outfield in 2024—which actually slightly better than Soto—to post a +1 rating in this stat.
So what will the ending here be?
Soto will improve, and more questions will be asked. It is New York, after all, and Soto will likely spend a few more games here and there as the Mets DH.