Mets' Mendoza Plans To Discuss Baserunning With Juan Soto

David

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Post on May 22, 2025

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Mets' Mendoza Plans to Discuss Baserunning with Juan Soto: A Strategic Move for the Postseason Push?

The New York Mets are making a concerted effort to bolster their postseason chances, and a key element of their strategy involves improving their baserunning. This week, Mets' baserunning coach, Joey Mendoza, revealed plans to hold a series of meetings with star outfielder Juan Soto, aiming to refine his aggressive, yet sometimes erratic, approach on the basepaths. This move comes at a crucial juncture for the Mets, who are currently battling for a playoff spot in a fiercely competitive NL East.

Soto, acquired in a blockbuster trade earlier this season, has undeniably brought immense offensive power to the Mets lineup. His batting average and on-base percentage are impressive, but his baserunning hasn't always mirrored his offensive prowess. Several missed opportunities on the basepaths, including questionable decisions on stolen base attempts and overly cautious advancements, have raised concerns among Mets fans and analysts alike.

<h3>Mendoza's Approach: Fine-tuning, Not Overhauling</h3>

Mendoza, known for his meticulous approach to baserunning instruction, isn't aiming for a complete overhaul of Soto's style. Instead, he plans to focus on strategic refinements. The meetings will likely center on:

• Situational awareness: Identifying opportunities for aggressive base running based on game context, score, and opposing pitcher/defense.
• Read-and-react skills: Improving Soto's ability to react effectively to the pitch, the throw, and the defensive positioning.
• Risk assessment: Balancing aggressive play with the need to avoid unnecessary outs.

"Juan is a phenomenal talent," Mendoza stated in a press conference. "Our goal isn't to change who he is, but to help him maximize his already considerable skills on the bases. It’s about making smart, strategic decisions that benefit the team."

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

This focus on baserunning improvement highlights the Mets' dedication to optimizing every aspect of their game. Small improvements in baserunning can translate into significant gains in run production, a critical factor in tight playoff races. A more efficient baserunning approach from Soto could be the difference between winning and losing crucial games down the stretch.

The success of this initiative will be closely monitored. Analysts and fans alike will be observing Soto's performance on the basepaths over the coming weeks to gauge the effectiveness of Mendoza's coaching. Improved baserunning from Soto could not only solidify the Mets' playoff position but also significantly boost their chances of a deep postseason run.

<h3>Beyond Soto: A Team-Wide Emphasis on Baserunning</h3>

While the meetings with Soto are high-profile, Mendoza's focus extends beyond just one player. He's implemented team-wide drills and strategies aimed at improving baserunning efficiency for all Mets players. This comprehensive approach underscores the team’s commitment to mastering the fundamental aspects of the game.

This strategic investment in baserunning represents a shrewd move by the Mets, demonstrating their commitment to maximizing their potential as they approach the crucial final stages of the regular season. The upcoming weeks will reveal whether this initiative translates into tangible results on the field and ultimately impacts their postseason fate. Stay tuned for updates!