Part 3/8:
Performance and Production
Roberts delves deep into Soto's career, noting the fluctuations in his performance, particularly through the transition to the Padres, where he initially struggled. Fans only needed to look at Soto's dip in production from 2021 to 2022 to raise eyebrows. However, optimism returned in 2023 when Soto rebounded with impressive stats, indicating his potential remains unblemished by his past struggles.
In 2023, Soto posted a batting average of .288, a .989 OPS, and a career-high 41 home runs, enjoying a season that seems promising for a player viewed as elite. Roberts argues that Soto has answered any questions surrounding his capacity to deal with the pressures of New York, showcasing his talent even in high-stakes scenarios like the playoffs.