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Soto's MVP Race: Defense is His Weakness
26 Feb
Summary
- Juan Soto aims to surpass Shohei Ohtani for the 2026 MVP award.
- Soto led the National League with 38 stolen bases in the 2025 season.
- His defensive struggles in right field led to a move to left field in 2026.

Juan Soto is making a determined push for the 2026 MVP award, with a key focus on surpassing Shohei Ohtani. In the 2025 season, Soto demonstrated strong offensive capabilities, including 43 home runs and a 156 wRC+. He also led the National League with 38 stolen bases, a significant improvement from his previous performance.
Despite his offensive prowess, Soto's defense has been identified as a weakness. He has consistently ranked low in defensive metrics, leading the Mets to plan a transition to left field for the 2026 season. Soto acknowledges this challenge and is committed to improving his defensive skills to solidify his MVP candidacy.




