The New York Mets have been searching for a left fielder since buying and selling Brandon Nimmo to the Texas Rangers. It seems that the reply was already on the roster.
ESPN’s Jorge Castillo reported that Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns mentioned that outfielder Juan Soto will transfer to left area. Soto had been the Mets proper fielder in 2025.
Soto does have intensive expertise in left. He had been the Washington Nationals left fielder from 2018 by 2020 earlier than shifting to proper in 2021. The San Diego Padres put Soto again in left in 2023, however he returned to proper area after being traded to the New York Yankees.
Juan Soto place change doesn’t imply Mets prospect is blocked in 2026
Soto’s protection has been questionable no matter which nook outfield spot he has occupied. Whereas he has had his moments, Fangraphs lists Soto as having value his groups 14 runs in left and 5 runs in proper. His transfer to left is probably going a cease earlier than he transitions right into a full-time designated hitter function.
Transferring Soto to left additionally strikes the Mets’ outfield void throughout the diamond. Tyrone Taylor, prospect Carson Benge and the lately signed MJ Melendez are anticipated to battle for the beginning function in proper area.
The job could also be Benge’s to lose. Taylor has been a superb defensive outfielder however is finest utilized in a reserve capability. Melendez has but to show that he can constantly hit on the main league degree and is coming off of a brutal exhibiting in 2025. If Benge performs properly in spring coaching, he could also be part of the Mets’ Opening Day roster.
