The New York Mets entered this season with sky-high expectations, largely fueled by the blockbuster acquisition of superstar outfielder Juan Soto. Mets fans, analysts, and the front office alike believed Soto would be the missing piece to push the team over the top and make a deep postseason run. However, the start of Soto’s tenure in Queens has been anything but triumphant, and the disappointment is beginning to boil over—not just among fans, but also among prominent voices in the New York sports media.

Sal Licata, a well-known New York sports commentator, did not hold back in his latest on-air tirade regarding Soto’s performance. In a segment that quickly went viral, Sal described Juan Soto’s early season play as “terrible” and “a massive disappointment,” expressing frustration that has become all too common among the Mets faithful. His passionate critique has sparked a citywide debate: Has New York’s biggest signing already become its biggest bust?

Soto’s arrival was supposed to signal a new era for the Mets. Coming off an All-Star season and known for his clutch hitting and charismatic presence, Soto was greeted with fanfare and optimism. The Mets invested heavily, not just financially but emotionally, in Soto’s ability to be the face of the franchise and deliver in the high-pressure environment of New York. Yet, as the first month of the season draws to a close, the results have been shockingly underwhelming.

Through his first stretch of games in a Mets uniform, Soto’s numbers have fallen far below expectations. His batting average hovers well below his career norm, and his power numbers are alarmingly low. Runners left on base, missed opportunities in key moments, and defensive lapses have all contributed to a narrative of frustration. The Citi Field faithful, known for their passionate support but also their impatience, have begun to voice their displeasure with boos and criticism on social media.

Sal’s outburst encapsulates the growing sense of urgency and disappointment. “This was supposed to be the guy who changed everything for the Mets,” Sal exclaimed during his broadcast. “Instead, he looks lost at the plate and uninspired in the field. How much longer are we supposed to wait for him to turn it around? Mets fans deserve answers.” His comments struck a nerve, quickly trending across sports platforms and igniting a flurry of reactions from fans and fellow pundits alike.

The Mets organization, for their part, has tried to remain patient. Manager Carlos Mendoza has repeatedly expressed confidence that Soto will eventually find his form, citing his track record as one of the game’s elite hitters. “Juan is working hard every day. He’s a professional. Slumps happen, especially in a new city with big expectations,” Mendoza told reporters. “We believe in him, and we know he’s going to come through for us.”

But patience is running thin in a city that demands results. The New York media landscape is notoriously unforgiving, and every at-bat, every misplay, is magnified under the bright lights of the Big Apple. Soto’s struggles have become daily fodder for talk shows, podcasts, and newspaper columns. Fans who once dreamed of October glory are now left wondering if the team’s massive investment in Soto will pay off or become a cautionary tale.

Adding to the pressure are comparisons to past Mets acquisitions that failed to live up to the hype. The franchise has a long history of high-profile signings that fizzled out, leaving fans jaded and wary of new promises. Soto’s slow start has unfortunately revived those memories, with many questioning whether he has the mental toughness to thrive in New York’s unique environment.

Despite the negativity, some analysts urge caution before writing off Soto’s Mets career. Baseball is a game of adjustments, and even the greatest players experience slumps. Soto’s underlying metrics—such as exit velocity and walk rate—suggest that he is still making solid contact and seeing the ball well, even if the results have yet to show up in the box score. History is filled with examples of superstars who struggled out of the gate with new teams before ultimately living up to their billing.

Still, the optics are hard to ignore. The Mets, built to win now, cannot afford a prolonged slump from their marquee player. Every game matters in the ultra-competitive National League East, and the margin for error is slim. As the losses mount and the offense sputters, the spotlight only grows brighter on Soto’s every move.

Sal’s demand for answers is echoed by a fanbase desperate for hope. “We didn’t bring Soto here to be just another guy,” one fan tweeted. “He’s supposed to be our leader, our superstar. Right now, he looks like a shadow of himself.” Others have called for lineup changes, benchings, or even trade rumors, though such drastic measures seem premature at this stage.

Inside the clubhouse, teammates have rallied around Soto, emphasizing the importance of unity and perseverance. Veteran players have reminded the media that baseball seasons are marathons, not sprints, and that one player cannot be expected to carry the load every night. Still, the pressure is undeniable, and Soto himself has acknowledged the need to improve. “I know I haven’t played my best baseball,” Soto admitted after a recent loss. “But I’m working hard, and I’m confident things will turn around. I want to win for this team and these fans.”

As the Mets prepare for a pivotal stretch of games, the question remains: Can Juan Soto overcome his nightmare start and live up to the immense expectations that accompanied his arrival? Or will his struggles continue, cementing his place as one of the most disappointing signings in franchise history?

For now, all eyes remain fixed on Soto every time he steps to the plate. The city of New York waits, impatient and anxious, for a sign that their superstar can rise above adversity and deliver when it matters most. Sal’s explosive critique may have been harsh, but it reflects the reality of playing in the biggest media market in the world. In New York, legends are made in moments of crisis—and Juan Soto’s moment is now.

Whether he seizes it or not will define not just his legacy, but potentially the fate of the entire Mets season. As the drama unfolds, one thing is certain: the story of Juan Soto and the Mets is far from over, and the next chapter promises to be just as captivating as the last.