Tim Kurkjian sends hopeful message on Mets' Juan Soto as postseason nears

Tim Kurkjian sends hopeful message on Mets' Juan Soto as postseason nears originally appeared on The Sporting News

Juan Soto is in the midst of his first season with the New York Mets under his 15-year/$765M deal that is already drawing scrutiny.

A play with Soto's hitting profile entering the open market in the prime of his career was always going to draw a lucrative price tag, but early return on investments could have Mets brass already regretting their acquisition.

Soto was not selected for the All-Star Game, and his numbers across the board at the plate have taken a substantial dip from his stellar campaign last year on the other side of the Big Apple.

Without Soto playing at an MVP level, the Mets have struggled to produce runs and now sit just one game ahead of the Cincinnati Reds for the final Wild Card spot in the NL.

While appearing on "Foul Territory," premier baseball analyst Tim Kurkjian talked about Soto's disappointing stretch but provided New York with some much-needed optimism.

"He hasn't been the player he's thought I would be," Kukjian said. "He's way better than a .250 hitter, which is around where he's hitting right now. I think he's going to get hot. It's been an adjustment, like it was in San Diego. There are six weeks to go, and I fully expect him to carry them into the playoffs."

Even in a "down year," Soto still leads the Mets in WAR and OBP, which is a testament to his raw talent.

If New York can sneak into the postseason, having Soto and a high-end pitching staff would have them firmly in the race for the pennant.