"Mets outfielder Juan Soto will have a new position this season. President of baseball operations David Stearns announced that Soto will move to left field, according to multiple reports. He was New York's primary right fielder in 2025. The 27-year-old is entering the second year of the $765MM mega deal he signed with the club. Stearns mentioned comfort as being a factor in the decision. Soto will also be playing left field for Team Dominican Republic in the 2026 World Baseball Classic."
"Soto is no stranger to left field. He debuted at the position with Washington in 2018 and held down the spot through the shortened 2020 season. Soto moved to right field in 2021 after the club signed Kyle Schwarber. He remained there in 2022, which was split between the Nationals and the Padres. San Diego slotted Soto in left field the following season. He's been back in right field the past two years while playing for both New York teams."
Juan Soto will move to left field for the Mets in 2026, with David Stearns citing comfort as a factor. Soto will also play left field for Team Dominican Republic in the 2026 World Baseball Classic and has logged more than 4,000 innings at the position. The shift follows Brandon Nimmo being traded and sets Luis Robert Jr. in center field, with Tyrone Taylor potentially returning to a fourth outfielder role. Soto is entering the second year of a $765 million contract. Career defensive metrics include -14 DRS in left and -5 DRS in right, with two notably productive seasons in 2019 and 2021.
Read at MLB Trade Rumors
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