The 2025 MLB landscape is beginning to take shape now that the regular season's first two months are already over. The Atlanta Braves' record has gone back and forth since Opening Day, resulting in a 24-23 record through 47 games as Brian Snitker's club continues to search for its identity.
Despite their inconsistency, the Braves are still in the division title hunt, sitting only five games back of the New York Mets for the NL East lead. Although the Mets have been one of baseball's top clubs this season, Atlanta's rival would likely be in a better spot if their biggest free-agent signing wasn't causing drama on and off the field.
Braves News: Mets Likely Already Regretting Juan Soto Contract
The Mets made several moves this winter, but none were bigger than signing Juan Soto to a monstrous 15-year, $765 million contract. The former National League MVP runner-up has proven to be one of the MLB's top stars with 201 home runs, 592 RBIs, and a .285/.421/.532 slash line in 936 games before joining the Mets; however, he hasn't looked like that player since putting pen to paper.
As frustrating as his on-field performance has been, Soto's Mets tenure reached a new low over the weekend. According to NJ.com's Bob Klapisch, New York's superstar reportedly rubbed people the wrong way after Sunday's loss when he left the clubhouse without speaking to the media despite saying he'd do so.
"Soto got dressed and began walking towards the door. He told a Mets official he’d be back to answer questions after seeing family members outside," Klapisch wrote.
Mets hierarchy is concerned about Juan Soto's lack of enthusiasm, per @BobKlap
— Jomboy Media (@JomboyMedia) May 19, 2025
Soto agreed to be mic'd up during Sunday's game but changed his mind because he's tired of answering questions about Aaron Judge and why he chose the Mets. He then bailed on reporters after the loss pic.twitter.com/qdPhWvIR4e
Interestingly, that was only Soto's second gaffe of the day. He was also supposed to be miked during the second inning of ESPN's Subway Series broadcast, at least until he "told Mets officials he was tired of answering questions about Aaron Judge, sick of explaining why he chose the Mets."
On one hand, it's understandable that Soto is sick of answering the same questions for the last five months. On the other hand, he's making $121.8 million in cash this season, so it's safe to say he should be able to handle a tough question or two.
It'd be one thing if Soto's poor attitude was happening while he lights up opposing pitchers, but that hasn't been the case. In his first 46 games (167 at-bats) with the Mets, Soto is slashing an underwhelming .246/.379/.443 with only eight home runs and 20 RBIs. That only puts him on pace for 28 HRs and 70 HRs in 162 games — far from an MVP-caliber performance.
Things might not be perfect in Atlanta, but Braves fans can rest easily knowing that the Soto contract is aging as poorly as it is for the Mets. The drama that surrounds him both on and off the diamond could ruin any positive chemistry that New York has built, which could benefit Atlanta in the long run.
The Braves own the third-best NL East odds (+370) on FanDuel Sportsbook, trailing the Mets (-105) and Philadelphia Phillies (+160). Having said that, don't be surprised when Atlanta's outlook becomes more promising if Soto's struggles and the drama that surrounds him don't end soon.
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