Juan Soto Baserunning Issues: Mets' Mendoza Steps In

David

3 min read

Post on May 21, 2025

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Juan Soto's Baserunning Blunders: Can Mets' Baserunning Coach Eric Mendoza Provide a Solution?

Juan Soto, the highly touted New York Mets outfielder, has recently found himself under the spotlight, but not for his powerful hitting. Instead, it's his baserunning gaffes that are generating headlines and raising concerns amongst Mets fans and analysts alike. His questionable decisions on the basepaths have cost the team valuable runs and sparked a debate about the importance of fundamental baseball skills at the highest level. Can new baserunning coach Eric Mendoza provide the necessary guidance to rectify this crucial weakness?

Soto, known for his prodigious power and keen eye at the plate, possesses a batting average that belies his occasional baserunning miscues. While his offensive contributions are undeniable, his lapses in judgment on the bases have become increasingly noticeable, leading to criticism from both commentators and fans. These blunders extend beyond simple mistakes; they often seem to stem from a lack of awareness and understanding of the game's intricacies.

The Problem with Soto's Baserunning:

Several instances highlight Soto's baserunning struggles:

• Missed opportunities for extra bases: Soto has been criticized for failing to hustle out ground balls, potentially costing the Mets crucial extra bases.
• Poor judgment on stolen base attempts: Aggressive baserunning is a valuable asset, but Soto's attempts have sometimes been ill-advised, leading to outs and hindering the team's momentum.
• Lack of awareness of situational baseball: A key aspect of effective baserunning is understanding the game situation. Soto has sometimes demonstrated a lack of awareness in high-pressure situations.

These issues aren't simply isolated incidents; they represent a pattern that needs addressing. The Mets, aiming for a playoff push, cannot afford such preventable mistakes.

Enter Eric Mendoza: A New Hope for Improved Baserunning?

The Mets' recent appointment of Eric Mendoza as baserunning coach offers a glimmer of hope. Mendoza brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of improving players' baserunning skills. His focus on fundamentals and film study could be the key to unlocking Soto's full potential on the basepaths. Mendoza's approach emphasizes:

• Film study and individualized coaching: Mendoza will likely spend considerable time analyzing Soto's baserunning, identifying specific areas for improvement, and developing personalized strategies.
• Emphasis on fundamentals: Mendoza is known for his dedication to teaching the basics of baserunning, including proper leadoffs, efficient turns, and strategic decision-making.
• Building confidence and awareness: A crucial aspect of Mendoza's coaching philosophy is building players' confidence and improving their situational awareness on the basepaths.

The Road Ahead for Soto and the Mets:

The success of Mendoza's efforts with Soto will depend on several factors, including Soto's willingness to learn and adapt. The upcoming weeks and months will be crucial in determining whether Mendoza can effectively address Soto's baserunning flaws and transform him into a more complete and valuable player. The Mets need a consistent and sharp Soto on the bases to maximize their potential in the challenging National League East.

While Soto's bat remains a significant asset, improving his baserunning could be the difference between a successful season and falling short of expectations. The Mets, and their fans, will be watching closely to see if Mendoza can help unlock the full potential of their star outfielder. This situation also highlights the importance of all aspects of the game, even for the most talented players. Every element contributes to a team's overall success.