Mets Looking to Shift Juan Soto’s Perspective

It seems the Mets may be trying to give Juan Soto a fresh outlook. Traditionally, strong hitters claim the second spot in the batting order, but they’ve moved him to third. Following the three-game series in Boston, Francisco Lindor and Sterling Marte will bat before Pete Alonso.

Soto has been experiencing a rough patch lately—he was seen jogging slowly during the last game of the Metro Series in the Bronx, and then, during the recent game at Fenway Park, he only managed to turn a long hit into a single, complicating things further.

This outfielder is still trying to find his rhythm after signing a significant 15-year, $765 million contract with the Mets, which he’s played out over 48 plate appearances.

“When you sign a deal like that, it attracts attention, and he knows that,” Mets manager Carlos Mendoza commented before the game in Boston. “He understands it, embraces it. It’s not new for him. Being a superstar, I think he’s comfortable. He’s just a good player.”

Mendoza seems to believe that some lineup adjustments might help Soto get back on track.