Juan Soto is beginning to shine in New York, and he says a lot of that is thanks to Mets manager Carlos Mendoza.
On Wednesday, Soto played a key role in the Mets’ 7-1 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks, hitting two solo home runs—one off Merrill Kelly and another off Jalen Beeks. His powerful performance reminded everyone why he’s one of baseball’s biggest stars.
In a post shared by USA Today’s Bob Nightengale on X (formerly Twitter), Soto expressed appreciation for Mendoza’s impact on his early days with the team.
“Juan Soto, who hit 2 HRs today, credits manager Carlos Mendoza for making his transition smooth,” Nightengale wrote. “’I’ve been feeling really comfortable. It’s not easy joining a new team, but Mendoza has helped a lot.’”
Soto’s bat has come alive in May. After a slow April (.232 average), he’s now hitting .346 with a .500 on-base percentage and a .833 slugging mark, including four home runs—all against Arizona. His recent success is boosting a Mets offense that had struggled with consistency.
His 427-foot homer in the third inning set the tone, and another opposite-field shot extended the lead. He capped off the night with a ninth-inning sacrifice fly, bringing his season totals to seven home runs and 17 RBIs.
While star players like Soto often dominate headlines, it’s the steady guidance of Mendoza that may be helping him settle in and thrive. If Soto keeps this up, Mets fans might have Mendoza to thank just as much as their new slugger.