When Juan Soto took his first hacks as a New York Met, the hype felt justified. This was the guy who slugged his way to a World Series in Washington, who owned the batter’s box with swagger in the Bronx, and now had a chance to be the centerpiece of Queens. But so far, reality has hit harder than any fastball he’s seen. Clutch moments have passed him by. The batting average with runners in scoring position? Alarming. And the Citi Field crowd, patient but perceptive, has started to notice.
But just when the spotlight felt like it might burn too hot, a Mets legend stepped in, not with criticism, but with calm. Mike Piazza, the Hall of Fame catcher who knows the weight of New York pressure better than most, had something to say. Not as a commentator. As someone who’s lived it.
“Do the little things right, and your confidence will return,” Piazza told The New York Post’s Joel Sherman. “What Juan Soto is going through is practically a rite of passage in New York.”
That advice hits differently when it comes from someone who’s worn the uniform and weathered the storm. Piazza wasn’t an overnight success in Queens. He battled expectations, slumps, and the ever-scrutinizing media. But he learned quickly: New York doesn’t demand perfection, it demands resilience. And it rewards players who focus on the fundamentals, even when the big moments aren’t going their way.
For Soto, that means dialing it back. Taking the extra walk. Moving a runner over. Staying disciplined even when the boos start to buzz. Because if Piazza’s journey teaches anything, it’s that greatness in New York isn’t earned through home runs alone, it’s earned through grit and consistency.
The Mets are searching for stability. Soto can still be the one to lead them through this rocky start. He has the tools, the track record, and, as Piazza sees, the temperament to thrive. But it starts with trust. Trust in the process. Trust in the little things.
And sometimes, the best thing a star can hear is this: you don’t need to swing for the fences every time. Just make the smart play. The big moments will come.
Did Juan Soto regret the decision?
Did Juan Soto really choose the Mets, or was it a decision made for him? The superstar outfielder’s underwhelming performance during the Subway Series, where he went just 1-for-10, has only fueled speculation. Add in the chorus of boos raining down from Yankees fans who once dreamed of him in pinstripes, and the storyline suddenly shifts from a slow start to something more personal: regret.
This all came to a head when Yankees broadcaster Michael Kay dropped a bombshell during the series: “People in the know say that Juan Soto wanted to be a Yankee,” Kay said. “He chose the Yankees. But his family wanted him to be a Met, so he chose the Mets.” With that revelation, the narrative flipped — Soto, once seen as fully embracing Queens, now appears caught between his own desire and his family’s wishes.
Of course, none of this confirms regret, but it does add a layer of complexity to Soto’s situation. The Mets are betting on his talent and long-term leadership, while fans are hoping he finds comfort and production in his new home.
But in New York, where every at-bat is a headline, questions like these don’t go away quietly.
The post Beloved Mets’ Ex-Pro Offers Crucial Advice to Juan Soto as Franchise Navigates Uncharted Territory appeared first on EssentiallySports.
