A radio host sparks debate by questioning Juan Soto’s age, even as the Mets star remains one of baseball’s most productive hitters
New York Mets outfielder Juan Soto has become the subject of chatter after a local sports radio host suggested Soto might be older than his listed age of 26. WFAN’s Brandon Tierney asked aloud, “Does he look 26? Does he?” and acknowledged there’s no proof, yet continued, “I think there’s a good chance he’s not 26.”
Tierney’s remarks, described as baseless by many, came with a caveat: he can’t prove the claim but isn’t shying away from it. “In my old mind, while I don’t know for sure, I think there’s a good chance—I’m digging this hole deeper—I think there’s a chance, a good chance, he’s not 26,” he said, adding, “I’ll say it. I don’t care.”
Soto’s official birth date is October 25, 1998, which would put him on the cusp of turning 27 this October. Since bursting onto the scene with the Washington Nationals in 2018 at age 19, Soto has been one of baseball’s premiere hitters, though his defense, base running, effort level and conditioning have drawn periodic scrutiny.
In the Mets’ camp, Soto’s age has become a side note to bigger questions about the team’s performance. New York has struggled at times, and entering Friday they sat 64-57, chasing a postseason berth with only two wins in their last 15 games. Despite the team’s woes, Soto has continued to produce at the plate, ranking among the league leaders in walks and sitting in the top tier for homers, on-base percentage and runs scored.
Soto remains a central figure for the Mets after signing a 15-year, $765 million contract last offseason, a deal that has set enormous expectations as fans hope to see him anchor the lineup in October. Over the past 15 days, Soto has batted .283 with four home runs, though he’s faced a downturn in production with runners in scoring position, a category in which his career average has dipped to .188 this season.
Mets manager Carlos Mendoza has tried to shield Soto from criticism, emphasizing that improvement needs to come from the entire lineup. “Look, man, 1 through 9, whoever is in the lineup, we’ve got to be better,” Mendoza said earlier this month. “And we understand that. And like I said, we’re doing everything in our power to get these guys going.”
Readers should note that Soto’s on-field performance continues to be strong even as discussions about his age circulate in sports talk. The controversy aside, Soto’s discipline at the plate—evident in leading walks—along with his ongoing production, makes him a key figure for a Mets club aiming to clinch a playoff spot.
Summary: The debate over Juan Soto’s age has sparked headlines, but his on-field impact for the Mets remains substantial. He continues to be a productive hitter with a storied contract, while the team grapples with consistency as they chase postseason success.
Additional notes for the article:
– Consider adding context about how age rumors have affected other players in MLB to give readers perspective on why such discussions arise, while reaffirming Soto’s verified birthday.
– If possible, include reaction from Soto’s camp or the Mets to provide balance.
– A short player spotlight could highlight Soto’s walk rate and run production to give readers a quick takeaway on why he’s still valuable despite the noise.