Mets Manager Calls Out Star Player

New York Mets’ manager Carlos Mendoza is set to have a crucial conversation with powerhouse Juan Soto regarding his effort levels out of the batter’s box. This comes on the heels of Soto's latest misstep during a game against the Boston Red Sox when he potentially squandered a home run opportunity.

A Missed Homer and Consequences

It was a chilly night at Fenway Park, and the Boston wind was blowing fiercely. Leading off the sixth inning, Soto blasted a 102 mph line drive towards the iconic Green Monster but was caught flat-footed, watching as the ball hit the wall and turned into a single instead of the home run he anticipated.

Mendoza expressed disappointment, stating, "He thought he had it, but with the wind and the unique challenges of this ballpark, you have to hustle out of the box. We will definitely be discussing this situation."

Fan Frustration and Previous Mistakes

Soto’s lackadaisical approach hasn’t just irked Mendoza—it’s drawn the ire of Mets fans too. Just a day earlier, during an 8-2 defeat against the Yankees, Soto fell under scrutiny again. He was slow out of the box on a grounder that ended in an easy out at first base, raising questions about his commitment.

In that game, the running theme of lack of hustle became evident as the Mets' star was seemingly coasting while the pressure was on.

A Pattern Emerging?

Misjudgments off the Green Monster aren't rare, as Pete Alonso showed earlier in the game when he was thrown out trying to reach second base after his hit bounced off the wall. However, Soto's pattern of not fully engaging has raised eyebrows among fans and management.

Mendoza confirmed, "We’ll have that talk with him. It’s crucial for players at his level to stay alert and make the most of every opportunity on the field." When asked about his effort, Soto defended himself, saying, "I think I’ve been hustling pretty hard. If you saw me today, you could tell."

What Lies Ahead for Soto?

With the conversations ahead, only time will tell if Soto will rise to the occasion and avoid future slip-ups. The Mets need every bit of hustle from their star player as they aim for the postseason.