You should remove the potting material they came in. Sometimes it is a good mix and some times not. No sense in taking a chance.
Go ahead and soak them and remove the old potting mix they are encased in, then replant them. They should do fine once you have remedied the poor soil problem. Would be great if you could take a before and after photo for others to see what can happen.
I learned this lesson by experience. : )
