Juan Soto Adjusts As Mets Continue Strong Start Against Marlins

MINNEAPOLIS — All-Star outfielder Juan Soto is waiting for pitchers to attack him more aggressively. As the 2025 MLB season nears the completion of its first month, Soto’s performance, featuring a .409 on-base percentage but only one home run and four RBIs, has left many wondering about the stark change in the way he’s being pitched.

On April 9, 2025, as the Mets prepared for their game against the Minnesota Twins, Soto reflected on the differences from last season, when he had superstar Aaron Judge batting behind him in the New York Yankees lineup. “It’s definitely different,” Soto told The Post. “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.”

Despite the slower start to the season, Soto has acknowledged that the landscape of MLB pitching against him has shifted notably, impacting his statistics. While he remains confident in his skills, the current dynamic of the Mets’ lineup necessitates a different approach for him at the plate.

Meanwhile, the Mets’ overall performance has been impressive, highlighted by a strong pitching staff that leads the MLB in ERA. The team showcased its skills on a chilly night, achieving a 2-0 shutout of the Miami Marlins in front of 28,630 fans at Citi Field.

Mets manager Carlos Mendoza lauded his team’s pitching efforts, stating, “It’s contagious — it’s like hitting. They’re feeling pretty good about themselves. They know they’ve got each other’s backs.” The Mets’ pitching has been nothing short of spectacular, with a combined 1.72 ERA, the second-best mark in franchise history through the first 10 games.

In the game against the Marlins, Kodai Senga led the Mets on the mound, allowing five hits and two walks while striking out four in five innings. “It’s still early,” Mendoza said regarding Senga’s pitch count. Senga’s performance complemented a bullpen that has seen an impressive ERA of 1.15 and showcased a mix of effectiveness from pitchers like Danny Young and Ryne Stanek.

Offensively, the Mets capitalized on their opportunities, with Francisco Lindor making history by recording his 1,500th career hit in the same game Soto drove in Lindor with a timely double.

“It looks good, right?” Mendoza remarked about the pairing of Lindor and Soto. “You envision those two doing special things.” Lindor, reflecting on his achievement, mentioned, “I’m just happy that we won today,” indicating his focus remained on team success over individual milestones.

As the season progresses, both Soto and the Mets will need to adapt to the evolving challenges they face in MLB, but their effective performances under pressure provide a solid foundation moving forward.