Mets Set to Discuss Hustle with $765M Star Juan Soto Following Two-Game Incident

New York Mets manager Carlos Mendoza plans to speak with Juan Soto about his hustle after a recent play at Fenway Park. During a game against the Boston Red Sox, Soto hit a powerful line drive that bounced off the legendary Green Monster wall. Instead of sprinting out of the box, he paused to watch the ball, resulting in a single rather than a possible home run.

Mendoza acknowledged the unique challenges of Fenway Park’s conditions, especially the 37-foot wall. “He thought he had it,” Mendoza said. “But with the wind and in this ballpark, you’ve got to get out of the box.”

Soto’s performance has raised eyebrows among fans. He stole second base soon after his hit but ended up stranded on third. When pressed about his effort, Soto insisted he was hustling, saying, “I think I’ve been hustling pretty hard. If you see it today, you can tell.” Fans have criticized Soto for similar lack of urgency in previous games, including a slow start in a game against the Yankees.

Notably, a study by the Sports Journal found that players who hustle consistently tend to have higher overall success rates, both offensively and defensively. Experts suggest that actively running out plays impacts a player’s performance and can influence team dynamics.

Soto’s early season stats show a mixed performance since signing a historic $765 million contract with the Mets. Currently, he holds a batting average of .246, which is noticeably lower than his career average of .283. Despite this, his on-base plus slugging percentage of .815 still ranks him among the top players in the league.

As the Mets continue their season, Mendoza’s focus on Soto’s hustle may prove critical for the team’s success. The Mets boast a 29-19 record, tying them for the second-best in the majors, with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Moving forward, fans and analysts will be watching closely to see if Soto can adjust his approach to maximize his potential and contribute to the team’s success.



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