Juan Soto Says He's MLB's Best Hitter Ever, Wants to Emulate Freddie Freeman's Career

Ahead of his regular-season debut with the New York Mets on Thursday, superstar outfielder Juan Soto expressed supreme self-confidence in his abilities.

During a discussion with ESPN's Jeff Passan, Soto was asked who he believes is the best hitter of all time, and he responded: "Myself. Until you prove me I'm wrong."

Despite being only 26 years old, Soto already boasts a résumé that has him trending toward an eventual Hall of Fame induction.

Over seven seasons with the Washington Nationals, San Diego Padres and New York Yankees, Soto is a four-time All-Star, five-time Silver Slugger Award winner, one-time batting champion and one-time World Series champion.

He also owns a career slash line of .285/.421/.532 with 201 home runs and 592 RBI.

After the Yankees acquired him in a trade with the Padres, Soto arguably had the best year of his career last season, hitting .288/.419/.569 with 41 homers and 109 RBI.

He finished third in the American League MVP voting and played a huge role in taking the Yankees all the way to the World Series.

Soto and the Yankees fell to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the World Series due largely to the play of veteran first baseman Freddie Freeman, who was named World Series MVP after hitting .300 with four home runs and 12 RBI in the Fall Classic.

When Passan asked Soto to name another hitter he is impressed by and wants to emulate, Soto said Freeman, adding, "I feel like he's one of the best hitters I've ever seen with my eyes."

Soto also mentioned Albert Pujols and Mike Trout as some of the top hitters he has studied.

By virtue of his performance last season, Soto cashed in with one of the richest free-agent contracts of all time, signing a 15-year, $765 million deal with the Mets.

Spurning the Yankees was a controversial choice, and Soto will now be tasked with helping the Mets win their first World Series since 1986.

If Soto plays close to the level he did last season and gets help from other stars such as shortstop Francisco Lindor and first baseman Pete Alonso, the Mets will be one of the teams to beat in the NL this season, along with the reigning world champion Dodgers.

Soto's Mets career will officially get started Thursday on Opening Day when they go on the road to face the Houston Astros.