Facebook Pixel

Mets Manager Carlos Mendoza Calls Out Juan Soto’s Hustle as Star Defends His Performance

Juan Soto’s lack of hustle during a recent game drew stern criticism from his manager, who wants to set the star straight. Baseball still holds effort as one of its core rules. No matter the score or situation, not giving full effort is the one thing that can’t be excused.

Outside of injury, where movement becomes an issue, there’s no reason not to run hard on every play. Veterans near the end of their careers still sprint down the line to try to get on base. New York Mets manager Carlos Mendoza didn’t look too thrilled when talking about his star outfielder breaking one of baseball’s long-standing unwritten rules.

Juan Soto’s Lazy Approach to Running Rankles Manager Who Vows Change

On the surface, Soto looks like a complete player. Sure, he might not make flashy defensive plays, but he’s done enough to avoid being a liability.

Add in his elite plate discipline, and Soto earned the largest contract in MLB history. However, hitting just .246 through 47 games, his Mets debut hasn’t started great.

MORE: Insider Reveals Juan Soto’s Shocking Attitude Has Mets Front Office ‘Concerned’

That got worse after Soto’s recent failure to do the basics, like running hard out of the batter’s box. In a game against the Boston Red Sox, the four-time All-Star dove for a ball deep in left. Yet, instead of sprinting, he assumed it cleared the Green Monster.

Standing 37.2 feet tall, the wall isn’t easy to clear, especially for a left-handed batter, as the ball tends to slice from right to left. Soto turned what should’ve been a double into a single. That drew a direct response from Mendoza, who spoke to SportsNet New York.

“He thought he had it. In this ballpark, with that wall right there, you gotta get out of the box. We’ll discuss that,” Mendoza said.

New York Post writer Mike Puma put the lack of hustle into perspective.

“For a second straight night, the star Mets outfielder was caught in quicksand running to first base. This time it was a shot he thought would clear the Green Monster for a homer but hit the wall, leaving him with a single in the sixth inning due to his late departure from the batter’s box.”

Soto needs to hit better. After a tough weekend in the Bronx, the Mets dropped the opener at Fenway. Watching your highest-paid player jog down the line trying to look cool can destroy a locker room’s culture.

Soto is locked in for the next decade and a half in Queens. That big contract comes with a high price — expectations from both the team and the fans.

More MLB from PFSN

Join the Conversation!

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Related Articles