By Sunday 
Mets Manager Impressed by Soto’s Seamless Transition
New York Mets manager Carlos Mendoza didn’t expect Juan Soto to settle in so quickly with his new team. But in just a short time, Soto has already become a natural fit in the clubhouse, seamlessly blending in with his new teammates.
Soto’s Fast Adjustment Surprises Mendoza
Mendoza admitted he was initially prepared for a longer adjustment period, but Soto proved him wrong.
“I didn’t think [the adjustment] was going to be this quick, to be honest with you,” Mendoza said, per MLB.com. “I thought it was going to take a little bit longer, but he fit right in. As soon as the position players reported, within a couple of days you could see him laughing, making jokes, especially with some of the Latin players. That was really good to see.”
Beyond his camaraderie, Soto’s influence extends to the team’s work ethic. Whether in the weight room or batting cages, his teammates are already picking his brain.
“Guys are asking him questions; how open he is to share his knowledge. Some of the things that he does in the batter’s box or when he’s preparing, just watching him go about it, he’s very humble and very open,” Mendoza added.
Mets Landed Their Superstar
The Mets struck gold in free agency by locking up Soto with a jaw-dropping 15-year, $765 million deal. The star outfielder was a key piece in helping the Yankees reach the World Series last season, and now, he’s expected to do the same for the Mets.
Though Soto formed a dominant duo with Aaron Judge in the Bronx, he has found a new partner in Pete Alonso. The Mets are counting on this star pairing to propel them to the Fall Classic—something they nearly achieved last season before falling to the Dodgers in the NLCS.
Winning Over the Clubhouse
Soto isn’t just making an impact on the field—his presence in the clubhouse is already being felt. Mets pitcher David Peterson noted how naturally he has meshed with the team.
“It feels like he’s been here a while; it doesn’t feel like his first three weeks,” Peterson said. “It’s personality. He’s tried to get to know all the guys and tried to do everything to get himself acclimated. He’s been awesome to have around in the clubhouse.”
Keeping It Humble
Despite the historic contract, Soto remains grounded, which has helped him earn the respect of his new teammates.
“He has great personality; very humble and he cares about people,” Mendoza said. “I think you have to give credit to the guys in that locker room that made him feel that way, as well. He’s making a big transition; everything that happened in the offseason with his contract, to see him just being the same guy, being relaxed, it seems like he’s been here for quite a bit now.”
The Mets will get another chance to see Soto in action when they face the Washington Nationals in a spring training matchup on Sunday. If his early impact is any indication, the Mets may have found the missing piece to their championship puzzle.