Breaking news: MLB insider’s perspective, Does Juan Soto regret choosing to sign with the New York Mets over the Yankees due to worries about lineup protection?

Juan Soto’s remarks comparing his current circumstances with the New York Mets to his time with the Yankees have raised concerns about lineup protection at Citi Field.

Soto is slashing in his first 18 games as a Met following the signing of an unprecedented 15-year, $765 million contract. 231/.367/.431, 131 OPS+, four doubles, and three home runs. In contrast to when he had Aaron Judge hitting behind him, the star outfielder told Mike Puma of the New York Post that pitchers are approaching him differently this season.

Soto remarked, “It’s definitely different.” Behind me, the best hitter in baseball was hitting. I was receiving more pitches in the strike zone, being attacked more frequently, taking less deliberate walks, and other things. Last year, I received a different pitch.

Soto has already earned 14 walks, including two deliberate passes. Even though Judge isn’t protecting him anymore, Pete Alonso is now in third place. Alonso has a 1.205 OPS, 245 OPS+, and five home runs to open the season.

The timing of Soto’s remarks caused several people to take offense, believing it to be a possible buyer’s regret. One MLB source, though, thinks Soto’s observations have some validity.

MLB insider: Without Aaron Judge’s protection, pitchers are throwing at Juan Soto in various ways.

“I think there’s some validity to what Juan Soto said,” MLB insider Jon Heyman said in his Bleacher Report “MLB Insider Notebook” video, acknowledging the substance of Soto’s claim but questioning its timing. “To me, you’re 15 games into a 15-year commitment with the Mets. They’re paying you $765 million. They went out and spent money on Pete Alonso to bring him back, and he’s an outstanding hitter. He’s having a great start, maybe not quite as good as Judge, but pretty close,” Heyman said.

“I believe that mentioning your protection and the good times you had with the Yankees is a bit premature.”

“I expect the Mets clubhouse to move past the comments,” Heyman continued.

“I don’t want to imply that he feels regret for his choice or that he regrets it. Heyman observed, “It was a single moment in time.” “He definitely missed Aaron Judge, at least in that instant.”

The Mets have played well thus far this season, leading the National League East with an 11-7 record going into Thursday night’s game against the St. Louis Cardinals, despite the small controversy.