Soto to Left Field

[Benjamin Grimm]

SNY is reporting that the Mets have announced that Juan Soto will be the Mets' left fielder in 2026

Mets star Juan Soto moving to left field

 

"Over the last month or so, as (Carlos Mendoza) and Juan were talking about the season, Juan was working out in left field because he's gonna play left field for the DR in the WBC," Stearns explained. "As they had their conversations, he felt really comfortable there. It made sense for us from a roster perspective. So we're gonna go forward with it, and everyone is on board with it.

[Edgy MD]

This is quite the moving picture!

[smg58]

I'm definitely not against it, but who's playing right?

[Cowtipper]

And who's on first?

[Edgy MD]

I'm definitely not against it, but who's playing right?

 

Whoever was going to be in left, I reckon.

That, of course, becomes a more open question with the Lindor injury pulling Brett Baty back toward the infield.

[The Hot Corner]

In an article discussing Soto's move to left field, Antony DiComo says that Carson Benge, Tyrone Taylor, Brett Baty, and MJ Melendez are the top candidates to man right field for Mets. I think the Mets are heavily counting on Benge to ultimately become the right fielder, whether that is on opening day or later in the season remains to be seen.

[Lefty Specialist]

Soto's not a good outfielder, so having him in left is better than having him in right. I would suspect Baty will get most of the time in RF if Benge isn't ready.

[Benjamin Grimm]

I would guess that Benge will be held back, at least for a while, unless he really tears it up this spring. I don't expect that Stearns will be as generous as Brodie was (with Alonso) in skipping the chance to delay Benge's free agency.

[Centerfield]

This move was obvious as soon as Nimmo was traded.

I remember saying that at the time.