As Memorial Day approaches, the 2025 Major League Baseball season has clearly moved past its early stages. The initial jitters have settled into a reality that’s proving tough for several teams and players alike. Already, three managers have been dismissed, the Colorado Rockies are hurtling toward what could be the worst record in MLB history, and the kind of passionate debates once confined to New York’s sports talk scene have spilled into the national spotlight, especially concerning Juan Soto’s uneven start.
Take the Baltimore Orioles, for instance. Once AL East champions in 2023, they now find themselves floundering. Manager Brandon Hyde was shown the door, a casualty of the team’s puzzling offseason inactivity and their steady slide further away from playoff contention. At 15-32, the Orioles’ performance has been dismal, with a team ERA of 5.45—the worst in the American League—and an offense that barely makes a dent in league rankings for OPS. Despite a roster filled with young talent, the team’s momentum has sputtered, leaving fans and analysts alike questioning whether a major shakeup is overdue.
General Manager Mike Elias faced the media shortly after Hyde’s firing, expressing both frustration and a hint of disbelief at the rapid downturn. “Back in June, we were leading the sport across nearly every level,” Elias said. “Now, we find ourselves in this tough spot. It’s hitting us all hard because this drop-off was so sudden.”
Pitching has been a glaring weakness. Veteran Charlie Morton, at 41, has struggled immensely, going 0-7 with a 7.68 ERA over 41 innings, leading to his demotion to the bullpen. Meanwhile, Kyle Gibson was released after a disastrous start that saw him surrender 23 earned runs in just four outings, resulting in a staggering 16.78 ERA. Elias didn’t shy away from the criticism, owning the front office’s responsibility for the shaky pitching staff. “Our starting pitching has been a huge problem, and that’s on us,” he admitted.
Concerns extend beyond pitching. Catcher Adley Rutschman, a former No. 1 overall pick and All-Star, has hit a rough patch, slashing just .221 with a .646 OPS over his last 150 games spanning into last season. Elias highlighted that while injuries have played a part, the consistent underperformance demands attention. “This group has been highly regarded and successful in the past, but right now, they are underperforming. We need to tackle this with better player development and coaching.”
Then there’s Juan Soto, whose name has dominated headlines in a different way. Despite some stumbles, Soto’s overall performance remains solid. The $765 million superstar boasts an adjusted OPS 34% above league average, and the Mets are still very much in the race for first place. Mets manager Carlos Mendoza was quick to defend his star, emphasizing Soto’s humanity and resilience. “He’s human. He’s gonna be fine. He’s Juan Soto,” Mendoza said.
Still, Soto’s numbers this season are below his usual standards. Through 49 games with the Mets, he’s posted career lows in on-base percentage (.374) and slugging (.429). Questions have even arisen about his hustle after a couple of recent lapses. Yet, with roughly 14 and a half seasons remaining on his massive contract, there’s little cause for alarm. Soto’s slow starts are not new—historically, March and April have been his weakest months, with a career average of .258 and an OPS of .848 during that time.
Mendoza also acknowledged the extra pressure that comes with Soto’s record-breaking contract, noting how the spotlight only intensifies scrutiny. But rather than shy away, Soto embraces it. Fans and analysts alike can expect the star to find his rhythm soon enough, delivering the elite performances that made him the most valuable player in sports history.
