Former New York Mets Coach Says Juan Soto Has Been “Coddled” Since Joining the Team
A former New York Mets coach is raising serious concerns about how the organization has handled star outfielder Juan Soto. Eric Chavez, who served as the Mets’ hitting coach and bench coach from 2022 to 2025, revealed on his EC3 podcast that Soto has been treated with unusual leniency since arriving last year. His comments suggest deeper cultural issues inside the clubhouse and a potential disconnect between Soto and team leadership.
Chavez Claims Mets Leadership Pampered Soto
Chavez said that an assistant general manager regularly catered to Juan Soto, even during games. According to Chavez, the executive would sit with Soto, tap him on the shoulder, and avoid holding him accountable for staying engaged with teammates in the dugout.
Chavez described the situation as a lack of leadership and accountability from the top down. He said he approached president of baseball operations David Stearns about the issue, warning that Soto’s behavior could negatively influence younger players. Stearns reportedly dismissed the concern, telling Chavez that other players needed to understand they were not Soto.
Soto’s Massive Contract and On‑Field Performance
Soto signed a historic 15‑year, 765‑million‑dollar contract with the Mets after spending the 2024 season with the Yankees. Before Ohtani, it was the largest contract in professional sports history. His first season in Queens was productive, hitting .263 with 43 home runs and 105 RBI, but the Mets still missed the postseason.
This year, Soto has battled injuries but remains one of the few bright spots on a struggling roster. Through 65 games, he is hitting .300 with 17 home runs and 39 RBI for a team sitting at 35‑49.
Could There Be a Rift Between Soto and the Mets?
Chavez’s comments hint at a deeper issue between Soto and the organization. If a star player is being treated differently than the rest of the clubhouse, it can create tension, especially on a team trying to rebuild its culture and identity.
Stearns and the Mets front office will need to ensure the situation does not escalate. With Soto locked in for more than a decade, maintaining a healthy relationship between the player and the organization is essential.
What Comes Next for the Mets
The Mets open a three‑game series against the Toronto Blue Jays on Monday night, but the bigger storyline may be how the team responds to Chavez’s revelations. Whether the organization chooses to address the concerns publicly or internally remains to be seen.
