Boomer Rips Into Juan Soto Over ‘Lazy’ Effort — Even on His Home Run — After Brutal Loss

The tension in the New York Yankees clubhouse is palpable, and this time, it’s not just because of a tough loss on the field. On the heels of a demoralizing defeat, Juan Soto, one of the team’s marquee stars, has found himself at the center of controversy — not due to poor statistics, but because of effort, or the lack thereof, according to one of baseball’s most recognizable voices.

Boomer Esiason, former NFL quarterback and current sports radio host on WFAN, delivered a blistering critique of Soto’s body language and hustle — or what he saw as a lack of it — even during moments when Soto appeared to shine. The most glaring example came when Soto hit a home run, which should’ve been a triumphant highlight in an otherwise forgettable game. Instead, Boomer saw it as a symbol of what’s wrong with the Yankees’ mentality right now.

As Boomer said during his Monday morning segment, “He hit a bomb, yeah, but did you see the jog? It was like he was half-asleep. No fire. No urgency. That’s not what you want from your superstar when your team just got its teeth kicked in.”

The remarks set off a firestorm on social media and among Yankees fans, many of whom have been riding a wave of frustration as the team struggles to maintain its footing in a competitive AL East. But beyond the outrage lies a deeper conversation about leadership, accountability, and what it means to truly compete — especially in the New York spotlight.

The Context Behind the Criticism

The Yankees had just wrapped up a brutal 9-2 loss against the division-rival Baltimore Orioles. The game was never close. From the first inning, the Yankees were playing catch-up, and their energy seemed sapped. The defense was sloppy, the pitching underwhelming, and the at-bats mostly uninspired.

Soto, who has been a bright spot in the lineup for much of the season, did manage to launch a solo shot in the sixth inning. Statistically, it was one of the hardest-hit balls of the night. But for critics like Boomer, stats don’t tell the whole story.

“It’s about optics,” Boomer emphasized. “You’re down big, the team looks defeated, and you finally do something to show life — but then you trot the bases like it’s a spring training game. That sends a message, and not a good one.”

Boomer’s argument touches on a classic sports debate: should a player’s demeanor matter if they’re performing well? For some, production is king. But for others, particularly those with old-school sensibilities like Boomer, effort and energy are non-negotiables — especially when you’re wearing the pinstripes.

The Standards of Yankee Baseball

Playing for the New York Yankees means playing under a microscope. The franchise has cultivated a mythology built on greatness, hustle, and an expectation of winning at all costs. Names like Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera, and Don Mattingly are synonymous with not just excellence, but a relentless approach to the game.

So when someone like Juan Soto — a 25-year-old phenom with a World Series title already under his belt — appears to take his foot off the gas, even for a moment, it invites scrutiny. And when that moment happens during a lopsided loss, it becomes a flashpoint for criticism.

Boomer referenced the legacy of players who came before. “You think Paul O’Neill ever jogged out a home run like that when his team was down seven runs? You think Bernie Williams or Tino Martinez didn’t play with pride, no matter the score?”

These aren’t just nostalgic musings. For Boomer and a significant portion of the Yankees’ fanbase, they’re part of a standard. A code. And Soto, in their eyes, didn’t live up to it.

Juan Soto’s Response — or Lack Thereof

As of this writing, Juan Soto has not publicly responded to Boomer Esiason’s critique. Reporters asked him post-game about the home run and whether he felt the team’s energy was lacking, but Soto kept things diplomatic.

“We’re not happy with how we played, obviously,” Soto said. “We’ve got to be better. I’ve got to be better. It’s one game, and we’ll turn the page.”

For some fans, the answer was sufficient. But for others, it fell flat — yet another example of what they see as disengagement, or at least a lack of emotional investment. In sports, perception is often as powerful as performance, and Soto’s composed demeanor, which many admire, has been reframed by critics as apathy.

That’s a tough line for any athlete to walk — especially one under the New York media spotlight.

The Boomer Mentality: Is It Fair or Outdated?

Boomer Esiason is no stranger to stirring the pot. His radio show thrives on hot takes and polarizing opinions, and his persona leans heavily into the idea of old-school sports values — grit, intensity, and unrelenting effort. To many, he represents a purist perspective that today’s game is missing something intangible.

To others, though, his expectations are increasingly out of touch with the modern athlete.

Baseball has evolved. Players today are often more measured, more strategic in their energy expenditure, and more mindful of the long haul. The grind of a 162-game season demands it. And the culture around the game has shifted too, with players now encouraged to show emotion — but on their own terms.

That’s why Soto’s slow trot or calm expression isn’t necessarily laziness to some — it’s just personality. And in a league that desperately needs more individuality, many believe that’s a good thing.

Yet Boomer’s criticism still resonates because it taps into something deeper: a fear that professional pride is slipping. That losses don’t sting like they used to. That fans care more than players do.

Whether that’s true is up for debate. But in the absence of fiery postgame quotes or impassioned on-field reactions, players like Soto become easy targets — especially when the team is struggling.

Leadership Vacuum or Overreaction?

The Yankees’ recent slump has raised larger concerns about team leadership. With Aaron Judge battling injuries and Gerrit Cole just returning to form, the clubhouse has felt somewhat rudderless. Soto, while immensely talented, is still new to the Bronx, and it’s unclear if he sees himself as a vocal leader in this clubhouse.

That void has made any perceived lapse — even a “lazy” home run trot — feel like a symptom of something larger. Boomer’s rant wasn’t just about Juan Soto. It was about the Yankees’ identity, or lack thereof.

“There’s no edge,” Boomer said. “This team used to have an attitude. Now it’s just… flat. And that starts with the stars.”

It’s a fair point. Great teams are often animated by their leaders — not just their talent, but their tone. The Yankees, despite a stacked roster, have looked emotionally flat in recent weeks, and fans are desperate for a spark.

Whether that spark should come from Juan Soto is debatable. But as one of the faces of the franchise, he’ll be expected to provide it — whether he likes it or not.

What Comes Next for Soto and the Yankees

With the postseason race tightening and every game under the microscope, the Yankees cannot afford to let internal drama become a distraction. Boomer’s comments may fade from headlines within days, but the underlying concerns will linger.

For Juan Soto, the challenge is twofold: keep producing at a high level, and demonstrate — in whatever way feels authentic to him — that he’s invested, engaged, and committed to winning in New York. That doesn’t necessarily mean screaming in the dugout or charging the mound, but it does mean showing that losses matter, that success is more than stats, and that every moment counts — even a solo homer in a blowout loss.

For the Yankees organization, this is a reminder that talent alone doesn’t win championships. Culture matters. Leadership matters. And in a city like New York, where sports are woven into the fabric of daily life, perception matters too.

The next few weeks will be telling. Can the Yankees recapture their spark? Can Soto silence critics not just with his bat, but with his presence? And will Boomer Esiason’s rant be remembered as the wake-up call this team needed — or just another example of the media overreaching?

One thing is certain: in New York, nothing goes unnoticed. Especially not a slow jog around the bases.