Juan Soto’s slow start with the Mets has created plenty of buzz on New York sports radio, with fans and analysts debating his performance and attitude. But WFAN’s Evan Roberts isn’t ready to panic. In fact, he believes Francisco Lindor’s first year with the Mets was worse.
“He sucked,” Roberts said on-air, referring to Lindor’s 2021 debut season. “I’m gonna give you numbers to prove he was worse than Juan Soto.”
.@EvanRobertsWFAN says Francisco Lindor's first year in Queens is a perfect example of why Juan Soto's start is not a big concern: pic.twitter.com/NQw9K8QjAo
— WFAN Sports Radio (@WFAN660) May 29, 2025
“Through 55 games, Soto is hitting .224 with a .745 OPS, eight home runs, and 25 RBIs. Lindor in 55 games had a .214 average, .644 OPS, five homers, and 13 RBIs”, Roberts revealed.
Francisco Lindor Also Had Off-Field Controversies
Roberts also brought up Lindor’s off-field problems that year. He mentioned the reported locker room fight with teammate Jeff McNeil and the “thumbs down” gesture aimed at Mets fans. “It was as bad of a first year as a human could have,” Roberts said.
Notably, Soto has also faced criticism, not just for his numbers but also for how he carries himself. Some reports say he lacks energy and leadership in the clubhouse, but Roberts thinks people are making too much of it.
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“I’ll argue with anyone. Lindor’s first year was worse than Soto’s has been so far,” he said. He also pointed out that both players are still key parts of the team and have made things work, even if they aren’t best friends.
As the Mets continue their season, the pressure is on Soto to live up to his $765 million contract. But if Lindor’s turnaround is anything to go by, there’s still time for Soto to win the fans back.
Also Read: MLB Analyst Breaks Down Juan Soto’s Bat Speed Metrics, And It’s Bad News For Mets Fans
