Juan Soto Tops MLB Pitchers' Least-Preferred Game 7 Opponents

Juan Soto, the New York Mets outfielder, has demonstrated a resurgence in his performance after a slow start to the 2025 season, highlighted by consecutive home runs and impressive batting statistics in June. Despite his slump, Soto's discipline and power at the plate have made him one of the most feared hitters in Major League Baseball, as reflected in a recent player poll where MLB pitchers ranked him as the hardest batter to face in a Game 7 of the World Series, surpassing stars like Shohei Ohtani and Aaron Judge. Pitchers praised Soto's exceptional plate discipline, ability to avoid chasing bad pitches, and power to hit to all fields, making him a formidable opponent in high-leverage situations. However, Soto surprisingly did not receive any votes in a poll for the most fun players to watch, which included Ohtani, Judge, and Lindor. With a 15-year, $765 million contract, Soto's recent hot streak, including a strong 10-game stretch, suggests his production may continue to rise. His performance underscores his status as a key player for the Mets and a dominant figure in the league.