Little League Honesty: Soto's Not All That?
A young baseball fan from Canada has stirred up a buzz after offering a surprisingly candid assessment of New York Mets star Juan Soto. During the Little League Classic in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, ESPN broadcasters asked several Little Leaguers which MLB player they'd most like to meet or get an autograph from.
While one Australian player enthusiastically named Soto, Canada's Misha Lee wasn't quite as impressed. When asked if he too would seek out Soto, Lee responded with, "Eh, he’s kinda overrated. He’s all right.". He then stated he'd prefer to meet Seattle Mariners star Cal Raleigh.
This bold statement quickly went viral, sparking debate among baseball fans and experts alike. Jomboy Media even shared the clip on Twitter, further amplifying the young fan's opinion.
Soto vs. Raleigh: A Comparison
The contrast between Soto and Raleigh this season is notable. While both are key players for their teams, Raleigh earned an All-Star selection, while Soto did not. As of Monday night, Raleigh is batting .249 with a .949 OPS and leads the major league with 47 home runs. He also leads the American League with 102 RBIs. Soto, on the other hand, is batting .251 with 30 home runs, 71 RBIs, and an .881 OPS.
In the Little League Classic game itself, the Mets defeated the Mariners 7-3. However, Soto went 0-for-3 with two walks, while Raleigh had a strong performance, going 2-for-5 with a home run, two RBIs, and a run scored.
The Verdict?
Whether Soto is truly “overrated” is, of course, a matter of opinion. He recently signed a historic 15-year, $765-million deal with the Mets, the largest in professional sports history. However, the honest perspective of a Little Leaguer provides a fresh and unexpected angle on the performance and perception of one of baseball's biggest stars.