Fans unanimously pointed out obvious concern after the first photos of Juan Soto in Mets colors were posted on social media.
After his monumental move to the New York Yankees last season, Soto shocked the baseball world by moving across town to join the Mets after helping the Bronx Bombers to their first World Series appearance. since 2009.
On Thursday, the 26-year-old star donned a Mets jersey and posed in front of the diamond at Citi Field before his introductory press conference.
However, fans took the comments to point out how seemingly out of shape Soto is in the footage.
“Bro gained 30 pounds in the offseason,” one fan wrote.
“Damn, he already ate Harrison Bader,” another added, referring to the Mets center fielder.
Fans pointed out the same concern after the first photos of Juan Soto as Met were published
Soto joined the Queens-based team after helping the New York Yankees reach the World Series.
“Bro’s been eating,” noted a third. “They paid for a ruined Soto.”
“Ngl’s not even trying to hate him because he didn’t sign with the Yankees, but it looks like he gained some weight,” said a fourth.
“Yes, the Yankees made a mistake by not having snacks and drinks at their meetings,” chimed in a fifth.
“The guy is 26 years old, but this looks like Shaq at 36 on the Celtics,” a sixth compared to Shaquille O’Neal’s last NBA tenure with the Boston Celtics.
Soto heads to Flushing Meadows after signing a record $765 million deal to be in orange and blue for 15 years.
The deal contains a full no-trade clause, a $75 million signing bonus, an opt-out after five seasons and no deferred money.
The Mets team can waive Soto’s opt-out clause after the 2029 season if they increase the average annual value of the final 10 years of his contract from $51 million to $55 million, according to MLB.com.
When asked why he chose the Mets over a rich group of suitors, Soto responded: “The Mets are a great organization.”
“What they have done in recent years, showing all the ability to continue winning, continue growing a team, trying to grow a dynasty, is one of the most important things,” he added. “The future that this team has had has had a lot to do with my decision.”
Fans mocked Soto for being out of shape during the offseason in his introductory photos.
Soto hasn’t spoken to Aaron Judge and other Yankees since signing with the Mets
Soto also noted that he hasn’t spoken to Aaron Judge and his former Yankees teammates since his tectonic move.
“I haven’t spoken to any of those guys,” Soto told reporters. ‘We talked to them during (the) playoffs and at the end of the playoffs. At the end of that, I do this process. I haven’t spoken to any of those (guys).’
A Subway Series title game almost became a reality this year before the Dodgers derailed the Mets’ playoff hopes.
However, with the acquisition of Soto, the confrontation may happen again, pitting him against his former teammates. However, Soto insists there is no bad blood between him and the Yankees.
Asked if he hopes to speak with Judge and others soon, Soto responded, “Yeah, why not?”
“At the end of the day, we’re still friends, we’re still good,” he continued. Whatever happens, it’s just business. “The relationship we created last year will last forever.”