Carlos Mendoza expressed confidence in Juan Soto despite his early season struggles at Citi Field without a homer until recently. Soto finally hit his first two home runs at home, although the Mets lost to the Arizona Diamondbacks 4-2. Despite hitting well in certain metrics, Soto had a modest .241 average at home. He emphasized patience and intelligence at the plate, suggesting he is focused on consistent hitting rather than chasing home runs. Mendoza noted Soto's potential as a powerful hitter, especially as he adjusts his hitting towards left-center.
"It's always good to see it," Mendoza said. "We knew he was close."
"Try not to expand or anything like that -- try to see the ball well, if I've got to take my walk, I'll take my walk," Soto said.
"Yeah, he's hitting balls on the ground, but now, finally, not only hitting balls in the air, but when he's going in that direction -- left-center -- he's a pretty dangerous hitter," Mendoza said.
"Among big-name Mets additions over the past 30-plus years, only Bobby Bonilla (22 games in 1992) went longer without hitting his first homer at home."
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