Boomer Esiason Drops Shocking Criticism on Juan Soto’s Work Ethic – What’s Really Going On Behind the Scenes?

So here’s the thing — Juan Soto smacks a clutch homer to shatter what could’ve been a no-hitter, a moment that should’ve sparked cheers and maybe even a little dance at Citi Field. Instead? The Mets snatch defeat from the jaws of a break-up game, dropping their eighth out of nine. And amidst the frustration, Boomer Esiason isn’t buying the easy smile Soto flashed on the mound—he’s calling it out as plain old loafing. But can we really blame Soto for keeping his cool when he’s clocking a shiny .864 OPS and snagging steals like candy, yet carrying the weight of a 15-year, $765 million contract that turns every slump into a national headline? When the entire team is tanking offensively and pitching is in free fall, is it fair to want a fiery, attitude-driven performance from a guy whose style might just be… different? Let’s unpack this heated debate — and maybe find out if Soto’s grin is hiding a storm or just the calm before one.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - AUGUST 05: Juan Soto #22 of the New York Mets walks back to the dugout after striking out during the eighth inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Citi Field on August 05, 2025 in New York City. — (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

Juan Soto saved the New York Mets from embarrassment on Wednesday by hitting a one-out home run in the ninth inning to break up Gavin Williams’ no-hitter, though his squad still dropped the game 4-1 to finish off a sweep at the hands of the Cleveland Guardians.

The Mets have now lost eight of their last nine games, and analyst Boomer Esiason tore into Soto despite the home run for his attitude.

During Thursday’s episode of Boomer & Gio on WFAN, Esiason called out Soto for loafing.

“He’s loafing…he’s got a nice smile on his face, he’s laughing. I’m sick of it. I want to see attitude.”

"He's loafing … he's got a nice smile on his face, he's laughing. I'm sick of it. I want to see attitude."

Boomer Esiason rips Juan Soto after Soto's home run to break up a Cleveland no-hitter in the bottom of the 9th on Wednesday: pic.twitter.com/VtLHqFFEKU

— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) August 7, 2025

It’s valid to be frustrated with Soto in this moment, especially considering the record-breaking contract the Mets gave him in the offseason.

When you land a 15-year, $765 million contract, that is going to inevitably bring criticism when things aren’t going well for the team, whether it’s warranted or not.

In Soto’s case, he has been as advertised thus far with the Mets and has an .864 OPS with a career-high 17 steals and solid defense in right field.

However, he hit just .210 in July and hasn’t done much during this recent losing skid, so Esiason surely wasn’t the only one perturbed about his jovial nature when coming to the plate late in Williams’ near-no-hitter.

New York’s offense has been spotty during this recent stretch, while the pitching has fallen off a cliff, and it’s fair to want the $765-million man to light a fire under this squad, even if that isn’t really his style.

The post Boomer Esiason Rips Juan Soto For Loafing appeared first on The Cold Wire.