Mets Manager Calls Out Juan Soto Over Lack of Hustle in Red Sox Loss
Juan Soto’s performance with the New York Mets is under scrutiny once again, this time following a costly misjudgment during a game against the Boston Red Sox. Despite his massive 15-year, $765 million contract, questions are mounting about his effort on the field.
During Monday’s 3–1 loss at Fenway Park, Soto hit what he believed was a home run. After admiring the ball at home plate, he realized it wasn’t going over the Green Monster and had to settle for a single instead. Though he later stole second base, Mets manager Carlos Mendoza was critical of Soto’s lack of urgency.
“We’ll talk to him about it,” Mendoza said. “He thought he had it, but in this park, with that wall, you have to get out of the box.”
Soto’s struggles have been apparent recently. He had a rough series against the Yankees, going just 1-for-10 as the Mets dropped two of three games. His body language and lack of hustle have sparked concern. One moment from Sunday night drew particular attention: after hitting a grounder, Soto was barely halfway to first base by the time the throw was made.
The criticism intensified after Soto declined to participate in a pre-arranged in-game interview and later skipped media availability altogether. Reporters noted that while he initially said he’d speak after greeting family, he left the clubhouse and did not return.
Despite the growing frustration, Soto has pushed back on claims that he’s not giving full effort. “I think I’ve been hustling pretty hard,” he told reporters.
According to NJ.com’s Bob Klapisch, the Mets organization is growing uneasy with Soto’s apparent lack of energy and engagement since joining the team. While his .376 on-base percentage is still respectable, it marks a significant drop from his performance last season with the Yankees.
Soto, who is now 26, continues to face high expectations. But with declining bat speed and a visible drop in output, his early tenure with the Mets is raising difficult questions for the franchise and fans alike.
