Mets' Mendoza To Coach Juan Soto On Base Running

David

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Post on May 21, 2025

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Mets' Mendoza to Coach Juan Soto on Base Running: A Strategic Move for the Padres?

The San Diego Padres are making a significant investment in their star player, Juan Soto, bringing in a renowned base running specialist to refine his game. The team announced today that Mets' third base coach, Glenn "Gino" Mendoza, will be working with Soto on improving his base running techniques. This strategic move comes as the Padres aim to maximize Soto's already considerable offensive potential.

Soto, while undeniably a prodigious hitter with a batting average consistently above .250, has sometimes been criticized for his baserunning. While his speed isn't exceptional, efficient base running can significantly impact a player's overall value, leading to extra runs and putting more pressure on opposing defenses. This coaching addition underscores the Padres' commitment to optimizing every aspect of their star outfielder's game.

Mendoza's Expertise: A Proven Track Record

Mendoza's reputation precedes him. With years of experience coaching in Major League Baseball, he's known for his meticulous approach to base running strategy and his ability to work with players of all skill levels. His coaching philosophy emphasizes maximizing opportunities, reading the pitcher and defense, and making smart, aggressive decisions on the basepaths. This contrasts with Soto's sometimes more cautious approach, suggesting a potentially fruitful partnership.

His time with the New York Mets saw improvements in the team's overall base running efficiency, demonstrating his ability to impact a team's performance at a measurable level. Sources close to the Padres organization indicate that Mendoza's analytical approach to the game, coupled with his ability to communicate effectively with players, made him an ideal candidate for this specialized role.

What Will the Coaching Involve?

While specifics haven't been publicly released, it's expected that Mendoza's coaching will focus on several key areas:

• Improved reads: Analyzing pitchers' moves and anticipating their throws to make quicker and more informed decisions on the bases.
• Strategic base stealing: Identifying situations where stealing a base offers the highest chance of success.
• Advanced base running techniques: Implementing techniques like taking extra bases on hits and utilizing secondary leads to maximize run scoring opportunities.
• Situational awareness: Understanding the game situation – score, inning, outs – to make optimal decisions on the basepaths.

This personalized coaching is a departure from the typical approach, indicating the Padres' belief in Soto's potential for significant improvement. The investment in specialized coaching reflects a broader trend in MLB, where teams are increasingly utilizing data analysis and specialized training to enhance players' performance.

Impact on the Padres' Season

This strategic investment could have a significant impact on the Padres' performance this season. Even small improvements in Soto's base running efficiency could translate to a considerable number of additional runs throughout a long season. This, in turn, could significantly boost their playoff chances and solidify their position as contenders in the National League. Only time will tell the extent of Mendoza's influence, but the move is certainly a bold and potentially game-changing one for the San Diego Padres. Keep an eye out for noticeable changes in Soto’s baserunning as the season progresses.