Juan Soto displayed his trademark showmanship in Wednesday\'s 6-1 Mets victory over the Dodgers, engaging in theatrical battles with Tony Gonsolin while drawing three walks. The $765 million slugger admitted he\'s still adapting to his new organization and contract pressure.
Soto struggled through his first two months with New York, posting a disappointing .224 batting average and .745 OPS through May 28. His demeanor notably differed from previous seasons as he played on his fourth team in four years.
\"I still need a little more time, but little by little it\'s been getting better,\" Soto told ESPN in Spanish when asked about feeling comfortable amid the changes and pressure.
\"I\'ve been feeling more comfortable.\"
Mets manager Carlos Mendoza has provided crucial support through regular conversations with Soto. The two discuss topics ranging from family to their home countries rather than on-field performance.
\"We have good conversations that, at the end of the day, help me feel better acclimated to the team,\" Soto said.
Mets president David Stearns acknowledged Soto is \"trying to do a little bit too much right now\" but expressed confidence in future results. Agent Scott Boras called Soto\'s return to Yankee Stadium in May a psychological \"hurdle\" in the adjustment process.
\"It\'s psychological,\" Boras said of the transition. \"You\'re treated differently because of your contract status.\"
Soto has shown recent improvement with a .484 on-base percentage over his last seven games against Colorado and Los Angeles. He remains patient despite early struggles with his record-breaking contract.
\"It\'s a little difficult because it\'s frustrating not seeing the results in what you\'re doing,\" Soto said. \"But I have a good routine. I have confidence in it.\"