As the New York Metsface the Athletics on an exciting Friday night matchup, fans have another chance to witness the talented Juan Soto in action during his debut season. Following his move from the New York Yankees, Soto has brought with him elite offensive skills, rooted in a disciplined approach that, as he recently explained, has been instrumental to his sustained success in the MLB.
In an in-depth interview with MLB.com’s David Adler, Soto discussed the strategy he employs when facing two-strike counts — a technique he began honing during his rookie years with the Washington Nationals but which was first instilled in him during his time in the minor leagues by hitting coach Troy Gingrich. Soto broke down the critical adjustments he makes to his stance and bat control when the count reaches two strikes, highlighting the level of detail behind his consistent production at the plate.
“Everything started when I was in Rookie ball,” Soto said. “He brought that to the whole organization. He made all the guys in the organization [have] a plan and a two-strike approach — at least choke up the bat. I started choking up, getting lower in my stance, and trying to just put the ball in play. Little by little, I was developing my two-strike approach. From the day I started, I felt great.”
The keys to Soto’s approach
Juan Soto elaborated on the mechanical changes he makes when reaching two strikes: “When I go down like that, it’s more about choking up, less movement, and trying to be shorter to the ball,” he said. “That’s the mindset when I get to two strikes. With the foot turned, I can be a little higher, leg kick, and everything. But whenever I put my foot flat, the leg kick is almost like you’re not even coming off of the ground.”
Juan Soto #22 of the New York Mets hits an RBI double during the third inning against the Miami Marlins at Citi Field on April 07, 2025 in the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
As Mets fans embrace Soto’s arrival early in the season, they are also witnessing the sophistication of his offensive game — a discipline built on nuanced mechanical decisions and mental preparation. In his first 12 games of the campaign, Soto has already recorded one home run, four RBIs, and is hitting .279 — a testament to his intentionality and consistency in every plate appearance.
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Beyond technique, Soto’s natural power complements his calculated approach: “I feel like I have the same power with two strikes or before two strikes,” he said. “I just feel like I’ll be able to drive the ball a little bit more to the opposite-field side [before two strikes]. I definitely can hit it with power [with two strikes], but I feel like I can drive it a little more and probably control it a little bit more before two strikes. And then when I get to two strikes, I just try to slap it that way. I’ve hit homers before like that, but I just try to put the ball in play.”
Adler describes how Soto shifts his front foot slightly inward when the count is not at two strikes, but then squares it flat when facing two strikes — a technical adjustment made to optimize contact.
What’s next for Soto and the Mets?
With a promising 8–4 start to the MLB season; the Mets currently sit atop the competitive National League East. Juan Soto’s presence in the lineup is already proving to be a critical component of the team’s ambitions for 2025. His ability to adjust under pressure and execute a refined offensive strategy reflects not only his talent but also his deep understanding of the art of hitting at the highest level.
