Carlos Mendoza addresses Juan Soto's hustle issues after disappointing game

In the United States, on May 19, 2025, the New York Mets played against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. During this game, star outfielder Juan Soto hit a powerful line drive toward the Green Monster but misjudged its trajectory, believing it would clear the wall. As a result, he failed to run hard out of the batter's box, only managing to reach first base instead of second. The play occurred amid a strong wind that challenged the ball's flight, but Mets manager Carlos Mendoza emphasized that players must consistently hustle regardless of conditions. This incident raised further questions about Soto's effort, especially following another lackluster performance during the previous game against the New York Yankees, where he also did not run hard. Soto defended his actions post-game, maintaining that he felt he had been hustling. However, his performance has not met the expectations associated with his $765 million contract, leading to mounting pressure from the organization for Soto to elevate his game. The Mets find themselves at a critical moment as they vie for prominence in the National League East, currently tied with the Philadelphia Phillies. This scrutiny on Soto's work ethic could significantly affect team dynamics and the broader perceptions of his professionalism, especially since the Mets' management had high expectations for his performance upon signing him in the offseason. Soto's ongoing struggles to align his hustle with his talent could lead to further discussions within the organization about what is acceptable effort and commitment for a player of his stature in the sport.