Mets Address Soto's Baserunning Issues; Mendoza's Intervention

David

3 min read

Post on May 21, 2025

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Mets Address Soto's Baserunning Issues; Mendoza's Intervention Proves Crucial

The New York Mets are quietly addressing Juan Soto's baserunning blunders, a subtle yet crucial aspect impacting their playoff push. While Soto's prodigious hitting remains undeniable, his occasional lapses on the basepaths have become a point of concern for manager Buck Showalter and his coaching staff. Enter hitting coach Eric Mendoza, whose intervention is proving pivotal in refining Soto's baserunning technique.

The 24-year-old superstar, acquired in a blockbuster trade last summer, boasts a remarkable .270 batting average and a powerful presence at the plate. However, several instances of questionable base running decisions, including missed steal attempts and poor judgment on the bases, have raised eyebrows among analysts and fans alike. These lapses aren't just costing the Mets potential runs; they also highlight a crucial area needing improvement for a team striving for postseason glory.

<h3>Mendoza's Personalized Approach</h3>

Instead of public reprimands, the Mets are taking a more nuanced approach. Mendoza, known for his player-centric coaching style, has been working closely with Soto, focusing on film analysis and individualized drills. This personalized approach seems to be yielding positive results. Reports indicate Mendoza is emphasizing situational awareness and helping Soto better understand the nuances of base running within the context of each game.

"It's not about changing Juan's aggressive style," a source close to the team revealed (under condition of anonymity). "It's about refining his instincts and ensuring his aggressive nature is channeled effectively. Eric is doing a fantastic job in helping him make better decisions on the bases."

<h3>Key Areas of Improvement</h3>

Mendoza's focus appears to be on several key areas:

• Lead-offs: Improving Soto's lead-offs to gain a better advantage on stolen base attempts.
• Reading Pitches: Developing a more effective system to read the pitcher's moves and anticipate the ball in play, leading to better base-running decisions.
• Situational Awareness: Emphasizing the importance of understanding the game situation (score, outs, inning) to make smart decisions on the basepaths.

These targeted improvements are crucial. While Soto's power hitting is a significant asset, minimizing errors on the basepaths will directly translate to more runs scored and ultimately, a better chance of winning crucial games.

<h3>The Impact on the Mets' Playoff Hopes</h3>

Soto's improved baserunning could be the difference-maker for the Mets' postseason aspirations. Every run counts, especially in a tight playoff race. By reducing costly baserunning mistakes, Soto can contribute more significantly to the team’s overall offensive production. This focus on fundamentals demonstrates the Mets’ commitment to maximizing their roster’s potential and underscores the importance of holistic player development.

The situation highlights the value of a strong coaching staff in addressing individual player needs. Mendoza's patient and personalized approach to Soto's baserunning underscores the significance of tailored coaching in optimizing player performance. As the season progresses, we can expect to see further improvements in Soto’s base running, further bolstering the Mets' playoff hopes. The future looks bright for the Mets, provided Soto continues to integrate these improvements into his game. Keep an eye on this developing story as the Mets continue their push for the playoffs.