Amid a challenging stretch for the New York Mets, star hitter Juan Soto has notably struggled, prompting urgent efforts from the team‘s leadership. Mets manager Carlos Mendoza recently detailed ongoing adjustments to Soto’s swing and approach aimed at overcoming his slump during this critical phase of the season.
Juan Soto’s Struggles and Team Challenges This Season
Juan Soto, New York’s $765 million acquisition, has been under intense scrutiny as his performance has dipped, hitting just .222 with a .779 OPS over the last 30 games. Although Soto’s spectacular early season pace was unlikely to sustain indefinitely, the current statistics fall short of the high expectations attached to his free-agent contract. Fans and analysts remain concerned as his season-long OPS stands at .869, which many view as below where the Mets hoped he would be given his price tag.
These individual struggles are compounded by the Mets’ overall difficulties, with the team posting an 18-29 record since June 18, which is the third-worst in Major League Baseball during that period. The Mets have also recently lost five games in a row and nine of their last ten, heightening pressure on both players and coaching staff.
Carlos Mendoza Addresses Soto’s Slump During WFAN Interview
In a candid discussion on Sal Licata’s WFAN radio show, Carlos Mendoza responded to questions about whether Soto’s slump might be mental or mechanical, especially in high-pressure situations such as runners in scoring position. Mendoza emphasized that the coaching staff is actively engaged in assisting Soto rather than taking a hands-off approach.
When asked if they simply allow players to work through slumps independently, Mendoza replied,
“Nah. No, we don’t ever just sit back and hoping that… No. We’re having conversations, we’re watching film. Whether it’s approach, how pitchers are attacking us, or Soto, in this case,”
—Carlos Mendoza, Mets Manager
He disclosed that they are continuously analyzing strategies to improve performance, including Soto’s batting stance and swing mechanics.
“We’re continuing to dig deep there. It’s like, ‘What are we doing?’, you know?”
—Carlos Mendoza, Mets Manager
Mendoza also noted recent positive changes, stating,
“I like with Soto, the past couple of games, there [has been] some adjustments there with his swings. He’s set up, so he’s taking better swings there.”
—Carlos Mendoza, Mets Manager
He concluded his remarks by stressing the team‘s collective responsibility for improvement, saying,
“Look, man, 1-9, whoever is in the lineup, we’ve got to be better. And we understand that. And like I said, we’re doing everything in our power to get these guys going.”
—Carlos Mendoza, Mets Manager
Coaching Staff’s Role and the Road Ahead
Mets hitting coaches, including Eric Chavez, have been closely involved in trying to correct issues not only with Soto but across the lineup. There has been criticism aimed at Chavez for previous adjustments affecting other players, yet Mendoza’s comments confirm a continued commitment to refining techniques in an effort to revive the team’s offensive production.
Despite these efforts, visible improvements have yet to materialize, and time is increasingly limited as the Mets fight to maintain their postseason prospects. With the team’s record deteriorating and fan expectations mounting, the outcomes of these mechanical and strategic tweaks to Soto’s approach carry significant weight.
Ultimately, the coaching staff’s active engagement underscores how critical it is for the Mets to resolve Juan Soto slump adjustment efforts promptly to stabilize their lineup as they approach the season’s crucial final stretch.