Mendoza addresses Juan Soto’s situation after an incident in the game
Mets manager Carlos Mendoza avoided going into detail about the conversation he had with star hitter Juan Soto after an incident in the first game of the series against Boston.
The situation arose when Soto did not demonstrate the necessary effort, resulting in a single instead of an extra-base play.
Mendoza suggested that frustration may have influenced Soto’s reaction to a hit in the sixth inning on Monday night. The ball bounced off the Green Monster, and Soto stood still in the batter’s box in the Mets’ 3-1 loss.
I think he’s comfortable, but again, everything is new. Not just a new team, but there’s the new contract, the expectations,” Mendoza told reporters before the second game of the series against the Red Sox.
Carlos Mendoza
Mendoza also added that they are there to help Soto, and that the player is in a good moment. “There’s a lot of noise here, but he’ll be fine. He’s too good a player and we’ll be there with him,” he said.
The manager was more understanding on Tuesday than after Monday night’s game, when he announced that he would speak with the star, who is in his first season with the Mets and has a contract for $765 million.
“The guy is competing. I’m telling you,” Mendoza said. “Come on, man. They’re human.”
Mendoza pointed out that Soto is not the first player to hit the ball against the Monster and end up with a single.
The manager also mentioned that frustration can affect players, especially one with the talent and success of Soto. He highlighted that Soto feels he could do a little more for the team, and that’s part of the conversation, understanding the personal aspect.
Mendoza indicated that Soto understands the additional pressure that comes with a millionaire contract and the expectations it generates. He said that is part of Soto’s role as one of the best players in the game.
“Knowing the player, I’m sure there’s something there because, again, he’s elite. He’s a special player and you know he cares, he cares a lot,” Mendoza concluded.
