Juan Soto expressed that his current hitting struggles are partly due to no longer batting in front of Aaron Judge, which he believes allowed him to see better pitches. Judge acknowledged the difference and emphasized that with Pete Alonso behind Soto, he will continue to see good opportunities. Soto's initial season stats show a decline, batting .250 with two home runs in 16 games for the Mets compared to his previous performance. He believes that the lack of support has changed how pitchers approach him this season.
"It's definitely different. I had the best hitter in baseball hitting behind me. I was getting more attacked and more pitches in the strike zone, less intentional walks and things like that."
"[Soto has] got probably one of the best hitters in the game behind him right now with what [Pete] Alonso's doing. It's been fun to watch."
"Just keep being himself and he's going to be just fine. I've seen Soto now watching the league for so many years and then getting a chance to see him up close."
"I'm not going to get into a back-and-forth with Soto on the matter, but downplayed his own part in it."
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