Juan Soto Shifts to Left Field Position
Juan Soto, the talented outfielder for the New York Mets, is set to shift to a new position this season. The announcement was made by David Stearns, the Mets’ president of baseball operations. Soto, who primarily played right field in 2025, is transitioning to left field, motivated by a need for comfort in his role.
New Position for Juan Soto
This change occurs as Soto enters the second year of a significant $765 million contract with the Mets. The 27-year-old will also be representing Team Dominican Republic as a left fielder in the upcoming 2026 World Baseball Classic.
Outfield Changes in 2026
With Soto moving to left field, the Mets’ outfield will undergo substantial changes in 2026. This transition marks a significant shift following the trade of longtime left fielder Brandon Nimmo to the Rangers. Luis Robert Jr., acquired through trade, is set to fill the center field position, while Tyrone Taylor, who primarily played center last season, might revert to a fourth outfielder role.
- Brandon Nimmo traded to the Rangers
- Luis Robert Jr. takes over center field
- Tyrone Taylor may return to backup role
- Cedric Mullins has signed with the Rays
- Jeff McNeil is now with the Athletics
- Starling Marte is currently a free agent
Soto’s Experience in Left Field
Soto is not unfamiliar with the left field position. He began his MLB career with the Washington Nationals in left field back in 2018. He held this position until 2020 before moving to right field in 2021. His tenure in right field continued through 2022 with the Nationals and Padres, before he was reassigned back to right field in New York.
Throughout his career, Soto has logged over 4,000 innings in left and right field, achieving various defensive metrics. His defensive performance in left field showcases mixed results, with -14 Defensive Runs Saved (DRS) career-wide. In contrast, he has a -5 DRS in right field.
Defensive Performance Overview
| Position | Defensive Runs Saved (DRS) | Outs Above Average (OAA) | Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| Left Field | -14 | -15 | 2018, 2019, 2020 |
| Right Field | -5 | -5 | 2021, 2022, 2023 |
In his best seasons defensively, Soto recorded +3 DRS and +5 OAA in left field in 2019. Despite challenges last season, he will aim to improve his performance as he adapts to his new position in 2026.
Outfield Prospects and Future Outlook
Shifting Soto to left field opens up potential for other players on the roster. The Mets have seen solid contributions from other outfielders, including new signee MJ Melendez. Additionally, top prospect Carson Benge has shown versatility across outfield positions in the minors.
These adjustments signal the Mets’ plans for a revamped outfield in 2026, with the organization focusing on optimizing player performance and defensive capabilities. Soto’s move to left field is an integral part of this strategic transition.
