Mets skipper Carlos Mendoza explains what makes Juan Soto “a great hitter”

New York Mets manager Carlos Mendoza has praised star outfielder Juan Soto for his performances in the 2025 season. Soto had a strong 2024 campaign with the New York Yankees, finishing with 41 home runs, 109 RBIs, and 129 walks.

Since joining the Mets, Soto has continued to hit consistently even against left-handed pitchers, which is often a challenge for left-handed hitters.

“That's what makes him a great hitter because it doesn't matter whether it's a righty or a lefty," Mendoza told the media. "I feel like against lefties he's been locked in. His at-bats, the way he controls the strike zone, hitting line drives, using the whole field. He's a special hitter, man.”

Soto has recorded 36 hits in 138 at-bats, with seven home runs, 17 RBIs and a .261 batting average this season.

When asked whether Juan Soto is close to the level Carlos Mendoza expects from him, the Mets manager said:

“I think he's been like that for a few days. For a week now or 10 days, or so… he continues to control the strike zone."

Juan Soto discusses manager Carlos Mendoza helping him settle with the Mets

Juan Soto’s most recent game was against the Arizona Diamondbacks on Wednesday, when he went 2-for-4 with two home runs, scoring two runs and registering three RBIs. His performance played a key role in the New York Mets’ 7-1 victory.

After the game, Soto spoke about adjusting to life with the Mets and manager Carlos Mendoza’s role in helping him settle (starts at 2:54):

“Mendoza has been doing really good job with that. Mendoza has been helping me big time. I've been feeling, you know, really comfortable, it’s not easy at all. When you come to a team for the first time, it's always going to take you a little bit to settle in. But Mendoza has been helping big time."

Soto entered free agency after his stint with the New York Yankees and signed a 15-year, $765 million contract with the Mets in December.