Juan Soto, the New York Mets’ $765 million star outfielder, is currently facing a challenging period at the plate, struggling to find his rhythm in the batter’s box this season. On Friday, Soto openly acknowledged his recent difficulties, promising fans and teammates alike that he remains confident in his ability to recover his top form.
Last season, Soto was among Major League Baseball’s elite hitters, delivering 41 home runs while maintaining a solid .288 batting average with the Washington Nationals. Expectations have soared since his blockbuster contract with the Mets, but the four-time MLB All-Star has endured a noticeable slump in recent weeks.
During Friday’s game against the Colorado Rockies—a team also battling inconsistency—Soto snapped a concerning 0-for-17 hitless streak with a clutch RBI double in the third inning. The Mets went on to secure a 4-1 victory, offering a much-needed confidence boost to the slugger and his team.
Juan Soto Opens Up About His Struggles and Commitment to Improvement
Following the win, Soto spoke candidly with reporters about his disappointing stretch. He admitted to not performing at his usual level or contributing effectively to the team‘s success but expressed a determined mindset going forward.
“I know I’ve been struggling, and I haven’t been there for them, but I will be… It’s a matter of time, we don’t know when it’s gonna come through, but I’m going to keep working.” – Juan Soto
Soto’s current statistics reflect his ongoing challenge at the plate. With a .229 batting average and an on-base percentage of .355, he has managed just eight home runs and 26 RBIs. These figures fall short of the expectations set by his previous performances and the substantial contract he signed with the Mets.
Support From Mets Leadership After Soto Ends His Hitless Streak
Mets fans and analysts grew increasingly concerned as Soto went hitless in three consecutive games. Yet, the Mets’ manager, Carlos Mendoza, voiced strong support for his star player after the latter finally broke his slump.
Mendoza emphasized confidence in Soto’s ability to overcome this challenging phase, calling the recent success a positive sign for the team.
“He’s going to get through it, he’s too good of a hitter. Obviously good night for him… it was good to see Soto finally getting some good results there.” – Carlos Mendoza
Before the game, Mets President of Baseball Operations David Stearns also addressed Soto’s form, suggesting that the young outfielder may be exerting extra pressure on himself in an effort to rebound. Stearns indicated this tendency is a natural part of a player’s growth and desire to improve.
“Do I think he’s trying to do a little bit too much right now? Yeah, I think he’s probably trying to do a little bit too much right now. And that is natural for a player who cares about improving.” – David Stearns
MLB Hall of Famer Defends Soto Amid Fan Criticism
Juan Soto has faced scrutiny and criticism from some fans, especially following his performance in series against both his former team, the New York Yankees, and the Boston Red Sox. Observers questioned his effort, focusing in particular on moments when he appeared slow to run to first base—actions that prompted backlash.
However, former Red Sox star and MLB Hall of Famer Pedro Martinez, a fellow Dominican, stepped in to defend Soto. Martinez highlighted the immense pressure that comes with being the league’s highest-paid player and noted that the mental and emotional burdens are often overlooked.
Juan Soto: I was once the highest paid player and it took me a while to adjust. Nobody thinks about the human inside the uniform. There are things that can get you distracted. We forget how young he is. #mlbontbs
The Financial and Emotional Weight of Soto’s Contract
The Mets’ outfielder currently holds an average annual value of $51 million, tied to the $765 million contract signed with New York. This figure could rise to $55 million if Soto chooses not to opt out following the 2029 season, placing him among the highest-paid athletes across all sports. Such a lucrative deal inevitably brings overwhelming expectations, which both Soto himself and veteran voices in baseball acknowledge can affect performance.
How This Slump Could Shape Soto’s Season and the Mets’ Outlook
Juan Soto’s current slump has drawn intense scrutiny considering his previous stature as one of MLB’s most dangerous hitters. While recent struggles have caused concern, his willingness to publicly admit the issue and commit to improvement suggests resilience. Mets leadership’s vocal backing shows the organization’s belief in his long-term value and ability to regain form.
As baseball fans watch Soto’s next moves closely, the results of his efforts could significantly influence the Mets’ season trajectory. Breaking free from this rough patch not only benefits the team but also helps Soto justify the monumental investment made by the franchise. The coming weeks will be critical in determining whether Soto can silence the doubters and lead the Mets closer to their championship aspirations.