Overview

• Juan Soto has faced criticism for two recent base-running lapses, including jogging on a grounder against the Yankees and admiring a hit off Fenway Park's Green Monster that limited him to a single.
• Mets manager Carlos Mendoza confirmed he spoke with Soto about these incidents, framing them as part of the player's adjustment to a new team and contract pressures.
• Soto has publicly defended his effort, stating he believes he has been hustling hard, though media and fans remain critical of his performance and demeanor.
• Mendoza described Soto as 'human' and expressed confidence in his ability to thrive, attributing recent struggles to frustration with his performance and external expectations.
• The Mets organization continues to back Soto, who has posted solid but below-career-average stats this season, as he navigates the challenges of his high-profile transition.