Darryl Strawberry, a New York Mets legend and former World Series champion with both New York teams, has expressed his firm conviction that Juan Soto made the right decision to join the Mets instead of the New York Yankees in MLB.
Strawberry, who is in Mets training camp as a guest instructor, believes Soto will shine as the team’s central figure in Queens. Soto’s arrival, on a 15-year, $765 million contract, marks a significant shift in the Mets’ dynamics, injecting a dose of elite talent and leadership into the team. Strawberry, who has witnessed Soto’s impact firsthand, is convinced that this move will catapult the Mets to new heights.
“It was good for him to make the decision to play here because now he’s not going to be behind anybody,” Strawberry said, per the New York Post. “Juan Soto with the Mets—yeah, you have [Francisco] Lindor, who’s great—but if you play over there [with the Yankees] with a guy like [Aaron] Judge, you’re never gonna be bigger than him.”
This statement highlights the importance of autonomy and leadership for Juan Soto, who now has the opportunity to be the face of a rising franchise. Strawberry, who played in and won World Series titles with both franchises, offers a unique perspective on the cultural and leadership differences between the two teams.
The significance of Soto’s arrival for the Mets
Soto’s arrival at the Mets not only strengthens the team’s lineup but also creates an atmosphere of optimism and expectation. “He can go to another level in his career,” Strawberry said of Soto, who hit second in the lineup against the Cardinals at Clover Park on Monday.
“Fifteen years to focus on one place and not wonder where he’s going will be good for him. And being in New York is good for him. I think he realized that by playing with the Yankees last year, how good it can be. It’s all about trying to win and not just putting a team on the field. The Yankees have always done that, and now these guys are, too.” Strawberry added.
The formation of a ‘Big Three’ and the expectations for the season
Soto’s arrival with the Mets has drawn comparisons to the 1980s lineup of Strawberry, Keith Hernandez, and Gary Carter. “We had me, Keith [Hernandez], and Gary [Carter],” Strawberry said. “They have Soto, Pete [Alonso], and Lindor. Not to count out the other guys like [Brandon] Nimmo and [Francisco] Alvarez, but they have those really established players you can count on.”
However, Strawberry also cautions that nothing is guaranteed in baseball. The key question is how the Mets’ “Big Three” will perform in the MLB season and whether they will be able to live up to the high expectations.