Overview

• Juan Soto has struggled offensively in the first 18 games of his record-breaking 15-year, $765 million contract with the New York Mets, posting a .798 OPS and a .221 batting average.
• Criticism has mounted, with WFAN host Sal Licata labeling Soto's performance in key moments as a 'failure,' following a recent 0-for-5 game with three strikeouts against the Twins.
• Soto attributes part of his struggles to being pitched differently now that former Yankees teammate Aaron Judge is no longer hitting behind him in the lineup.
• Mets manager Carlos Mendoza defended Soto, emphasizing his overall contributions and expressing confidence in his ability to overcome the slump, calling him 'fine' and 'human.'
• Soto remains optimistic, stating he knows how to handle adversity and is focused on making adjustments, while also acknowledging the heightened scrutiny tied to his historic contract in the New York market.