The most expensive outfielder Soto will shift to left field next season: jokingly said, "I can even pitch if needed"

Juan Soto, who signed a 15-year contract with the New York Mets, is about to experience a defensive position change after one year with the team.

David Stearns, the team's baseball operations president, confirmed to reporters today that Soto will shift from right field to left field next season, which will open up competition among multiple candidates for the right field spot. This adjustment aligns with the Mets' overall strategy to improve defensive efficiency. Soto, who has primarily played right field since 2021, had a defensive metric (OAA) of -12 last season, with arm strength ranking better than only 34% of players in the league. Moving to left field will reduce the impact of his arm strength limitations; during his time with the Washington Nationals in 2018-19 and the San Diego Padres in 2023, he mainly played left field.

Soto’s position change also creates an opportunity for rookie Carson Benge, who mainly played right field in college. Although Benge might get chances from Opening Day, even if he doesn't make the opening roster, he will remain a key consideration for the team's 2026 plans. Other right field candidates include Tyrone Taylor, Brett Baty, and newly signed MJ Melendez, while Luis Robert Jr. is expected to patrol center field.

"From a roster perspective, this move makes sense," Stearns said. "Although we hadn’t planned it initially, after several discussions, it clearly has positive implications."

This change began during the offseason when Mets manager Carlos Mendoza called Soto to ask about his preparations for the World Baseball Classic. Soto mentioned that he was training in left field because his former Padres teammate Fernando Tatis Jr. was expected to play right field. This conversation sparked a discussion about Soto’s adaptability to both outfield positions, and Mendoza took the chance to ask if he was willing to man left field for the Mets.

"Mendy, even if you want me to pitch, I’m willing," Soto joked at the time.

After hanging up, Mendoza immediately contacted Stearns and then initiated the position change. "We ultimately concluded that advancing this plan would be more beneficial for the team," Mendoza explained.

During the three seasons when Soto primarily played left field, he appeared in 460 games at that position. His best defensive advanced metric year was 2019, when he posted an OAA of +5 while playing left field.

At the start of the offseason, Stearns listed "reducing runs allowed" as a key area for the team to improve, with defense being a crucial part. To this end, the team acquired Robert via trade to patrol center field and signed Marcus Semien to play second base. In the new season, the Mets will also have two players try positions they have not regularly played in the majors: Jorge Polanco will be at first base, and Bo Bichette will move to third base.