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Soto’s Slump Persists as Mets Urge Patience with Record Contract

Mets regard his elite contact quality as proof that bad luck, not broken mechanics, underlies his early-season slump.

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New York Mets' Juan Soto (22) reacts after striking out during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Chicago White Sox Wednesday, May 28, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
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Overview

  • Soto has slumped to a .224 batting average with a .745 OPS and is hitting just .130 with runners in scoring position.
  • His expected slash line of .294/.420/.569 and top-tier exit velocity support the Mets’ view that poor results stem from misfortune.
  • President David Stearns and manager Carlos Mendoza insist Soto stick with his current approach and decline sweeping swing changes.
  • Stearns warns Soto may be trying to do too much at the plate, pointing to his increased ground-ball rate, reduced bat speed and moments of tentativeness.
  • Despite boos at Citi Field, Soto refuses days off and continues rigorous work on his offense, defense and baserunning.