The New York Mets have only gone.500 in their last 12 games, giving away their lead in the National League East division.
Even while there are many reasons for the lackluster run, Juan Soto hasn’t been quite right since the Subway Series against the New York Yankees, his old team.
During that series, Soto went 1-10 with all eyes on him, renounced his pledge to wear a microphone for ESPN, and displayed some unsettling body language. His current season slash line is far behind his career averages at.224/.352/.393.
During a recent game against the Chicago White Sox, Mets supporters’ displeasure spilled into some jeers since his 15-year deal with the team is off to a poor start.
“The Mets were in the process of blowing a sweep of the pitiful White Sox, the offense was nowhere to be found and Juan Soto had just failed to get the ball out of infield in his fifth plate appearance,” Bob Klapisch wrote for NJ.com. “At first hesitant, the jeering grew louder as Soto made his way back to the dugout. They went ahead and gave it to Soto.
During this downturn, Soto has mostly stayed out of the media and has only given brief soundbites when he is interviewed. When Klapisch asked him what was causing his difficulties, he responded with the same two-word response: “I’m fine.”
Klapisch went on to say that following the White Sox game, Soto avoided reporters by exiting the clubhouse before they could arrive. However, third baseman Mark Vientos, one of his teammates, provided some further context for what may be happening.
“I think he’s trying to do too much,” Vientos clarified. “He only wants to be better; he cares. Additionally, I believe he may be taking on a bit too much.
Soto has plenty of time to work things out for the Mets, since there are still 14 games remaining in the season.
