New York Mets star Juan Soto is one of the most destructive hitters in the MLB and pitchers often need to be on their toes to keep the All-Star outfielder quiet at the plate.
Soto is nearing a decade in the league and during his tenure, the 27-year-old has squared off against some of the top arms in the game. When analyst Ben Verlander asked MLB stars about their toughest opponents, the All-Star slugger, who signed a $765 million contract with the Mets last offseason, said:
"Chris Sale is right at the top," Soto said. "Madison Bumgarner, man. He was something else. He was so funky, I wouldn't pick up the ball. I faced him at the end of his career, can't imagine when he was throwing 98 miles per hour."
Fans reacted to the Mets All-Star naming the former San Francisco Giants pitcher as one of the toughest pitchers he has faced.
"Soto knows ball. Bum was ELITE."
"Madison Bumgarner never threw 98 mph.. for a strike atleast. He lived at 94 and the slider at 90."
"Am I wrong Bumgarner never threw 98?"
Meanwhile, fans also reacted to the other picks in the interview.
"Everyone's so calm and then Nick Swisher comes in like Red Bull in human form. 😂"
"Kenny Lofton coping not saying the Big Unit."
Soto squared off against Bumgarner in the latter part of the left handed pitcher. Soto went 1-for-9 with two strikeouts against the three time World Series winner.
After a tough start to his Mets tenure, Juan Soto got hot at the plate, batting .263 with a .921 OPS, 43 home runs, 120 runs scored, 105 RBIs and 38 stolen bases.
Despite Soto's stellar end to the season, the All-Star outfielder struggled defensively. Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns acknowledged the team's defensive woes and expects Soto to up his defensive game next season.