Juan Soto threw his full support behind Carlos Mendoza and David Stearns as the New York Mets continue to spiral toward a historic low. Despite the intense media pressure surrounding the dugout, the superstar outfielder made it clear that the responsibility for the team’s failure lies with the players on the field.
The declarations were shared on X by SNY following a crushing doubleheader sweep at the hands of the Rockies on Sunday, April 27. “This is not Mendy’s fault or David’s fault. They put a great team together. We have to be the ones that will go out there and perform. This is not [Carlos Mendoza’s] fault at all,” Soto told reporters.
Soto’s defense comes at a critical time, as Carlos Mendoza is now part of troubling NY Mets history following a 9-19 start that hasn’t been seen in Queens since 1983. While the front office has faced scrutiny for the roster construction, Soto insists the internal leadership has provided the necessary tools for success.
How is Juan Soto doing with the Mets?
Individually, Soto has been a bright spot when healthy, maintaining a solid .304 batting average and an elite .418 on-base percentage through his first 13 MLB games. However, a minor calf strain suffered earlier in April forced him to miss significant time, momentarily stalling the momentum of his first full season in Flushing.
Even with his personal success, Soto’s year has been overshadowed by a Mets offense that has been held to one run or fewer in nine different games. The disparity between Soto’s elite production and the team’s league-worst 92 runs scored has placed an immense burden on the star to carry a struggling lineup every night.
As the Mets head into a crucial May stretch, the focus remains on whether the rest of the roster can follow Soto’s lead and turn the season around. Mendoza’s job security may hinge on this “fixable” situation, but for now, he has the backing of the most important player in his clubhouse.
