Despite being only 26 years old, Juan Soto has already cemented his place as one of MLB’s most complete and versatile hitters. The New York Mets star boasts not only elite offensive numbers but also a rare combination of plate discipline and pitch recognition that makes him a perpetual threat to any pitcher.
Yet, even generational talents have areas to improve. For Soto, his defense in the outfield has been a recurring point of criticism throughout his career. According to advanced metrics like Defensive Runs Value (DRV), Soto holds a score of -32, meaning he has allowed 32 more runs than the average MLB right fielder since his debut — a figure that clearly highlights room for improvement.
Despite the negative evaluations, Juan Soto maintains a grounded and resilient mindset. In an interview with NJ Advance Media on April 7, the Dominican standout addressed the criticism with poise and determination.
“It motivates me,” Soto said. “I’m not saying that it bothers me or anything, just that it drives me to show that I am a good defender.” His words reflect a competitive edge and a willingness to silence doubts not through talk, but through performance.
Juan Soto #22 of the New York Mets doubles against Chad Green #57 of the Toronto Blue Jays during their game at Citi Field on April 06, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
Soto: A scientific approach to defensive growth
When asked about his defensive work, Soto went into detail about his physical preparation and technical focus. “You work on specific hip movements in the gym for when you take the first step towards the ball,“ he explained. “You work on how your knee should move, how you literally step to move quicker and push off stronger.”
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This insight reveals not just commitment but also a methodical approach to improvement — focusing on biomechanical precision to enhance his agility and reaction time in the outfield.
If Soto continues this trajectory and sharpens his defensive game, he could evolve into a truly complete superstar, one capable of dominating the game on both sides of the ball — and silencing his critics once and for all.
