Swagger lost? Soto’s cagey reply on missing signature shuffle deepens doubts

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NEW YORK — Watching Juan Soto at the plate without his famous “Soto Shuffle” feels almost surreal — like seeing a superhero stripped of their signature cape.

The shuffle has long been a central part of Soto’s identity. It’s a bold, unmistakable movement — a deep squat, wide stance, a hip wiggle, a sweeping motion of his feet, sometimes even a crotch grab, all topped off by an intense glare back at the pitcher. It’s more than just a ritual; it’s part of Soto’s aura.

But now, more than a month into the New York Mets’ 2025 season, fans are still waiting to see it in full.

The shuffle mystery deepens

Ahead of Monday’s game, Soto offered a teasing but elusive update when asked if the shuffle would return.

“It’s going to come out one day,” he said with a smile. “It just depends — I just gotta feel it.”

His response only raised more questions. What exactly will trigger it? Does it tie into his comfort at the plate? What emotions or conditions need to align?

“It takes a lot,” Soto added, still smiling but offering little clarity.

During Sunday’s game against the Washington Nationals, Soto exhibited what could best be described as a semi-shuffle — moving away from a pitch, spreading his legs, tugging his pants, and locking eyes with pitcher Mitchell Parker. But longtime observers knew: it wasn’t the real deal.

Just a symbol missing in action or swagger gone?

Soto has previously explained that the shuffle helps him sync his timing and boost his confidence at the plate. He started the routine in the minor leagues, and while it’s never been a move he performs every at-bat, it’s been frequent enough to become a trademark. It’s so ingrained in his persona that even his luggage features a logo depicting him mid-shuffle.

Yet, through 29 games with the Mets, the full shuffle has been notably absent.

There was a minor sighting on Opening Day against the Houston Astros, when Soto showed a faint version of the move during his final at-bat against Josh Hader — a wiggle and a slight hip tap. But the iconic full-body shuffle? Still missing.

When asked again about its return, Soto kept it simple.

“It’s going to come,” he said. “You will see it.”

A modest start by Soto’s standards

By his usual elite standards, Soto’s first month in a Mets uniform has been solid, but not spectacular. In 127 plate appearances across 29 games, the slugger has posted a .788 OPS with three home runs — none of them coming at Citi Field.

His walk rate remains elite at 17.1 percent, ranking in the top five percent league-wide, according to Baseball Savant. His strikeout, whiff, and chase rates are all similar to his career norms. Ben Rice, who took over his Yankees’ No. 22, has left his far behind.

Signs of life emerged during Monday’s 19-5 rout of the Chicago Cubs, where Soto recorded two hits for the third time in four games. He also smashed an opposite-field double — one of his two hard-hit balls of the night.

Hitting coaches and Mendoza toil to back Soto

Despite the lack of signature power so far, Mets manager Carlos Mendoza is encouraged by what he’s seeing.

“When he wasn’t getting results, he was still hitting the ball hard, right at people,” Mendoza said after Monday’s game. “So it was good to see him go the other way. He’s a great hitter.”

Statistically, Soto’s average exit velocity ranks in the top eight percent of MLB hitters, a promising sign that big hits are only a matter of time.

Co-hitting coach Jeremy Barnes praised the slugger’s professionalism and daily consistency.

“He knows what he wants,” Barnes said. “He’s a professional hitter. He has his routine. He sticks to it every day. He knows what works for him and what doesn’t.”

Despite not having erupted for the dominant numbers fans expect — especially after signing a record-setting 15-year, $765 million contract — Soto’s underlying metrics suggest that a breakout could be imminent.

Will the shuffle signal a hot streak?

Could the return of the shuffle signal the beginning of a classic Juan Soto hot streak? Perhaps.

While Soto remains coy about when the shuffle will make its full return, it’s clear he sees it as something organic, not forced.

As he continues to settle into life in Queens, it feels less like a question of if the shuffle will return — and more like when. For now, Mets fans will have to stay patient, hoping the next full-bodied shuffle is the start of something special.

And if Soto’s recent uptick at the plate is any indication, that long-awaited moment could be coming sooner rather than later. Meanwhile, Yankees fans are happy.

What do you think? Leave your comment below.

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