The New York Mets have lost their lead in the National League East after going just .500 in their last 12 games. While there are multiple reasons for this slump, something has seemed off with Juan Soto since the Subway Series against his former team, the New York Yankees. Under intense scrutiny during that series, Soto struggled, going 1-for-10, backed out of a commitment to wear a microphone for ESPN, and showed some troubling body language. His season stats have dropped to a .224/.352/.393 slash line, well below his career norms.
As his massive 15-year contract with the Mets gets off to a slow start, Mets fans’ frustration boiled over into boos during a recent game against the Chicago White Sox. Bob Klapisch of NJ.com described the moment: “The Mets were in the process of losing a sweep against the struggling White Sox, the offense was silent, and Soto had just failed to get the ball out of the infield in his fifth at-bat. The booing started slowly but grew louder as Soto walked back to the dugout… They really let him have it.”
During this slump, Soto has largely avoided media attention, giving only brief responses when interviewed. When asked about his struggles, he simply replied, “I’m fine.” Klapisch noted that Soto even left the clubhouse before reporters arrived after the White Sox game.
However, teammate and third baseman Mark Vientos offered some perspective, suggesting Soto might be putting too much pressure on himself. “I think he’s trying to do too much,” Vientos said. “He cares and wants to improve, but he might be carrying too heavy a load.”
With plenty of the season still ahead and many more after that, Soto certainly has time to turn things around for the Mets.
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