Superstar outfielder Juan Soto signed a huge 15-year, $765 million contract with the New York Mets after an incredible offseason negotiation.
Convincing Soto to take a day off was the second big deal the Mets had to negotiate with him this week.
Soto dropped out of the starting lineup announced before of Wednesday night’s game between the Mets and Pirates. It’s the first game he’s missed since joining the Mets.
Mets manager Carlos Mendoza told supporters in a pregame interview that the change was done only to give Soto a little more rest.
It’s simply a bad day. I’m attempting to capitalize on the off day we have planned for tomorrow,” Mendoza remarked. “I hope you give him a few days.” When I gave it to him last night, it wasn’t an easy talk, but I felt it would be better to deliver it to him today.
Since the Mets have Thursday off before playing the Yankees in the Bronx on Friday, Soto will benefit from two full days of relaxation without having to travel.
Nevertheless, the Mets will have a fantastic pinch hitter on hand in case they need a game-winning single late on Wednesday night against the Pirates.
