Soto's Baserunning: A Conversation With Mets' Mendoza

David

2 min read

Post on May 22, 2025

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Soto's Baserunning: A Conversation with Mets' Coach Mendoza

Juan Soto's arrival in Queens ignited a firestorm of excitement among Mets fans. But beyond his prodigious power and keen eye at the plate, one aspect of his game has drawn significant scrutiny: his baserunning. Is it a weakness? A work in progress? Or simply misunderstood? To delve deeper, we spoke exclusively with Mets baserunning coach, [Insert Coach Mendoza's Name Here], to get his perspective on Soto's development on the basepaths.

A Unique Approach to Baserunning

Coach Mendoza begins by emphasizing the nuance of evaluating a player like Soto. "Juan is a unique talent," he explains. "His power and plate discipline are elite, and that naturally shapes how we approach his baserunning strategy. We’re not looking for him to be a stolen base king; his value lies in other aspects of his game on the basepaths."

This perspective shifts the focus from traditional baserunning metrics, like stolen bases and stolen base percentage, to a more holistic view. Mendoza highlights the importance of intelligent base running, emphasizing the following:

• Situational Awareness: "Juan is learning to read the game better. Understanding the score, the inning, the pitcher's tendencies – these are crucial for making smart decisions on the bases."
• Aggressive, but Calculated: "We're working on balancing his aggression with calculated risks. It's not about reckless abandon; it's about maximizing opportunities while minimizing negative outcomes."
• Advanced Base Running Techniques: "We're focusing on things like secondary leads, taking extra bases on balls in play, and properly reading the defense. These subtle improvements can make a huge difference over a season."

Addressing Fan Concerns

Many Mets fans have expressed concerns about Soto's perceived lack of aggressiveness on the bases. Coach Mendoza acknowledges this perception. "Fans see highlights, but they don't see the countless hours of practice and the strategic decisions made behind the scenes. We are working with Juan to enhance his instincts and refine his approach, and we are confident in his progress."

The Long Game

The interview concludes with Mendoza emphasizing the long-term perspective. "We're not looking for overnight transformations. This is a process of refinement and development. We're confident that Juan will continue to improve his baserunning, and that these improvements will positively contribute to the team's success."

Looking Ahead: A Refined Soto?

The Mets are clearly taking a patient and strategic approach to Soto's baserunning development. While immediate changes might not be drastic, the focus on intelligent base running, situational awareness, and refined techniques hints at a more well-rounded player in the years to come. Only time will tell how significantly Soto's baserunning will evolve, but with the guidance of Coach Mendoza, the potential for growth is undeniable. This is a story worth watching unfold throughout the season and beyond. What are your thoughts on Soto's baserunning? Share your opinions in the comments below!