Juan Soto’s Slow Start with the Mets: Is It Dragging Down His Card Value?
- Papi
- May 26
- 2 min read
💸 Big Contract, Slow Start
Juan Soto made headlines this offseason by signing the largest contract in professional sports history with the New York Mets — a move that sent shockwaves through both MLB and the card-collecting world.
With superstar expectations (and a payroll to match), Soto’s debut in Queens was one of the most hyped events of the year. But through the first two months of the 2025 season, the results have been underwhelming.
Soto’s batting average has hovered around the .230s, and while his plate discipline remains elite, the power numbers and run production have lagged behind. It's not the statement Mets fans — or investors — hoped for.
📉 What’s Happening to Soto’s Card Prices?
Collectors are watching Soto’s early struggles closely — and it’s starting to show in the marketplace:
2018 Topps Chrome Update PSA 10: Down ~12–15% since Opening Day
2018 Bowman Chrome Auto (Raw & Graded): Fewer high bids, minor sell-offs
2025 Topps Flagship Mets Base Cards: Spike after the signing, now cooling off
Compared to other stars making noise this year (like Elly De La Cruz and Corbin Carroll), Soto’s prices have plateaued — or slightly declined. That said, his overall market remains stable thanks to his age, track record, and star power.
🧐 Buy Low or Wait it Out?
This isn’t the first time a megastar stumbled out of the gate after a big move. We've seen similar early jitters from players like Bryce Harper and even Mookie Betts post-trade — only for them to bounce back and dominate.
Soto is just 26 years old, with a World Series ring, elite career stats, and now the face of one of baseball’s biggest markets. Long-term investors could view this dip as a golden buying opportunity — especially for grail cards.
For flippers looking for short-term pops, Soto might not be the play right now. But savvy buyers know the tide can turn with one monster series at Citi Field.
🔥 Cards to Track in the Soto Market
Keep your eye on these cornerstone cards, especially as the market reacts to his Mets chapter:
Prices could swing quickly if he catches fire this summer — especially under the New York spotlight.
🧠 Final Take: Under Pressure, but Far from Finished
Juan Soto isn’t just any player. He’s a generational talent with one of the most iconic left-handed swings of this era. A slow start doesn’t define a $500+ million player — and if he finds his rhythm in a Mets uniform, this could be the last time his cards are “affordable.”
As always, timing the market is tricky. But history says betting on Soto usually pays off.
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