Summary of "Don, Hahn & Rosenberg" Podcast – Hour 3: Soto's "Struggles"

In the third episode of the "Don, Hahn & Rosenberg" podcast, titled "Soto's 'Struggles'," released on April 30, 2025, hosts Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, and Peter Rosenberg delve into the performance challenges faced by Juan Soto, the star player of the New York Mets. The episode offers a comprehensive analysis of Soto's early-season struggles, the broader implications for the Mets, and the reactions from fans and the sports community.

1. Introduction to Juan Soto's Performance

The episode kicks off with a discussion about Juan Soto's underwhelming performance in his first 30 games with the Mets. Alan Hahn sets the stage by highlighting the pressure associated with Soto's high-profile contract:

Alan Hahn [02:13]: "Expectations have to match, right?"

Peter Rosenberg expands on the financial implications, suggesting that the Mets' expenditure on Soto might be setting a precedent for future salary caps in baseball:

Peter Rosenberg [01:26]: "I think they're going to go for it. I'm telling you there's going to be a cap in baseball after the 26 season."

2. Analyzing Soto's Struggles

The hosts dissect Soto's batting performance, noting his low batting average and the expectations tied to his contract:

Alan Hahn [02:22]: "If he's hitting like this, yeah."

Peter Rosenberg [02:32]: "He deserves to get ripped. Because now you've almost buried yourself where you might not be able to get out of it, but you're 21 and 9 and he's not hitting."

Don Hahn points out that despite Soto's struggles, he's contributing through quality at-bats:

Don Hahn [03:06]: "I think he hits two ball. He went 0 for 3 and hit two balls over 100 miles per hour."

3. Team Dynamics and Support

The conversation shifts to how Soto's performance affects the overall team dynamics. Alan emphasizes the importance of team success over individual statistics:

Alan Hahn [05:04]: "People don't care about anything other than winning, honestly."

Peter Rosenberg counters that Soto's presence is vital for the team's offensive strategy:

Peter Rosenberg [05:03]: "He’s going to be a better player than Grisham, but again, better numbers, 21 and 9."

Don Hahn adds that other core players like Carlos Lindor and Alonzo are performing exceptionally, which helps balance Soto's performance:

Don Hahn [13:04]: "Lindor has become a Met. He wasn't maybe until last year. Really became a Met, right?"

4. Fan Reactions and Criticism

The hosts address the mixed reactions from fans regarding Soto's performance. Alan shares insights from conversations with star athletes facing similar criticisms:

Alan Hahn [05:28]: "People don't care about anything other than winning, honestly."

Peter Rosenberg suggests that some of the negative feedback might be influenced by Yankee fans masquerading as Mets fans to disparage Soto:

Peter Rosenberg [15:24]: "You think the fans are complaining because there might be a cap until."

5. Callers Share Their Perspectives

Throughout the episode, several callers provide their viewpoints on Soto's performance and the team's prospects:

• Sam from Brooklyn [16:09]: Highlights the importance of giving Soto time to adjust, drawing parallels with Carlos Beltran's experience.

• Corinne [22:37]: Asserts that the majority of Mets fans are supportive of Soto and believe he'll ramp up his performance.

Corinne [22:37]: "All the Mets fans I know. No one's upset. Everyone knows he's going to start getting."

• Lorenzo [34:06]: Emphasizes Soto's role in protecting other key players like Lindor and Alonzo.

Lorenzo [34:06]: "Juan Soto's body language. He's providing plenty right now because we don't know if Alonzo and Lindor be hitting the way they're hitting without Soto."

6. Comparing to Past Player Debuts

The hosts draw comparisons between Soto's current struggles and past players who had slow starts but eventually became integral to their teams. Don Hahn references how performances in the early season shouldn't overshadow a player's long-term contributions:

Don Hahn [35:04]: "Being good in April and May is not worth huge celebration for Juan Soto."

7. Conclusion and Future Outlook

As the episode wraps up, the hosts express optimism about the Mets' season, despite Soto's initial challenges. They stress the importance of team cohesion and the potential for Soto to overcome his slump as the season progresses:

Alan Hahn [14:20]: "Just win and all this stuff goes away."

Peter Rosenberg [35:04]: "He's probably, yeah, a little frustrated and down. That doesn't mean he's not supporting his teammates."

Don Hahn reinforces the idea that early-season performance metrics shouldn't dictate the overall evaluation of a player's contribution:

Don Hahn [35:04]: "Being good in April and May is not worth huge celebration for Juan Soto. He's a guy who won in Washington. He was great in San Diego, went to the World Series in New York and now is on the Mets."

Key Takeaways

• Soto's Performance: Juan Soto is facing a challenging start with a 21 for 9 batting average in his first 30 games, sparking debate among fans and analysts.

• Team Dynamics: Despite Soto's struggles, other key players are performing well, helping to maintain the Mets' competitive edge.

• Fan Reactions: While a vocal minority criticizes Soto, the majority of Mets fans remain supportive, believing in his long-term value to the team.

• Future Expectations: The hosts remain hopeful that Soto will overcome his early-season slump and significantly contribute to the Mets' success as the season progresses.

This episode provides an in-depth look at the complexities surrounding a star player's performance and its ripple effects on team dynamics and fan sentiment. Through insightful analysis and diverse perspectives, "Don, Hahn & Rosenberg" offers a nuanced understanding of Juan Soto's role within the New York Mets.