The moment ESPN dropped its annual top 100 MLB player rankings, chaos erupted across baseball circles. For most fans, it was a casual scroll, a preseason warmup. But for insiders? It lit a fire. The big surprise wasn’t at the top—it was who wasn’t there. Juan Soto, fresh off a monster season and a record-shattering $765 million contract with the Mets, landed at No. 8 on a list of the game’s elite. The guy who just commanded the richest deal in baseball history wasn’t even in the top five.

The reaction? Swift, and more than a little confused. Insiders were stunned, and a whole lot of fans took to social media wondering how a player who dominated in 2024—batting .313 with 35 homers and leading the league in OBP—could be that low. As one anonymous player reportedly put it, “What the heck are you guys thinking?” The real gut punch? Soto ranked behind Yordan Alvarez, a premier bat to be sure, but primarily a DH. Soto plays the field, draws walks like he invented them, and brings postseason swagger few can match.

Even respected ESPN analyst Tim Kurkjian seemed to raise an eyebrow—and then made waves of his own. “That was my reaction as well, and having him behind Yordan Alvarez—who’s an amazing hitter in his own right but primarily a DH—was surprising,” Kurkjian said on Baseball Tonight. “Juan Soto plays the field. Ask anybody in baseball—if he’s not the best hitter, he’s top two or three.” Kurkjian didn’t stop there, boldly picking Soto as his 2025 National League MVP favorite over even Shohei Ohtani.

And that’s where the conversation turns. If Soto is being paid like a once-in-a-generation star and performing like one, how does he end up this low? Especially after the postseason he had, the ranking feels out of sync—not just with numbers but with reality.

Let’s be real: if Soto’s glove cost him a few spots, fine. But eight? Behind Judge, Alvarez, and others with shorter resumes or more glaring flaws? Something doesn’t add up.

The good news for Mets fans? Soto doesn’t care about rankings—he cares about rings. And if he plays with a chip on his shoulder this season, that snub might just fuel an MVP run that makes ESPN’s list look laughable in hindsight.

Yordan Alvarez vs Juan Soto debate

Let’s get one thing straight—Yordan Alvarez can hit. Nobody’s denying that. The man is a wrecking ball at the plate, and when he’s locked in, pitchers might as well be throwing beach balls. But when it comes to ranking the very best in baseball, the conversation can’t stop at the batter’s box. That’s where the Soto vs. Yordan debate heats up. Soto doesn’t just rake—he plays a full game. He’s in the outfield every night, logging innings, making plays, and still managing to lead the league in walks. It’s balance. It’s value. And it’s something Yordan, despite all his offensive firepower, just doesn’t bring to the table in the same way.

In the 2024 season, Álvarez, playing for the Houston Astros, achieved a .308 batting average with 35 home runs and 86 RBIs over 147 games. Notably, he hit for the cycle on July 21, 2024, against the Seattle Mariners, becoming the 11th player in Astros history to do so. Additionally, Álvarez reached his 150th career home run faster than any other player in franchise history, accomplishing this milestone in just 590 games.

In comparison, Juan Soto, who played for the New York Yankees in 2024, posted a .288 batting average, complemented by a career-high 41 home runs and 109 RBIs in 157 games. Soto’s exceptional plate discipline was evident as he drew 129 walks, underscoring his ability to get on base consistently. Following the season, Soto signed a record-breaking 15-year, $765 million contract with the New York Mets, reflecting his value and impact in the league.

So, why is Alvarez ranked higher? That’s the head-scratcher. Is it because he hits majestic home runs and puts up video game numbers in spurts? He may be quite intimidating when holding a bat. But Juan Soto is also a force on the field with skills and consistent play in a more demanding role daily. It’s like choosing between a Ferrari without wheels or a Tesla that can soar through the skies.

In essence, when you’re assembling a team centered on an individual’s abilities and strengths, Soto provides you with resources, enhanced reliability, and a greater influence throughout the span of 162 games. That’s not just balance—it’s baseball gold.