In the eternal soap opera that is New York baseball, drama is never more than a quote away. And just when you thought the spotlight had settled on Citi Field’s diamond, in strolls Mets skipper Carlos Mendoza, dropping his two cents with the precision of a ninth-inning closer. As the Juan Soto and Aaron Judge saga spun the headlines, Mendoza finally stepped up to the plate—and oh, he didn’t bunt.

There are pros and cons to being a superstar. One of the cons is that every statement you make is scrutinized by everyone. That is exactly what has happened with Soto after his interview with the New York Post. After he said that pitchers approach him differently now because Judge isn’t batting behind him, it caused a huge uproar among Mets fans. Many even began to question him and his mindset. That’s why it was also needed for Mendoza to shut down the false narrative.

During a recent interview with Foul Territory, Mendoza was asked about these statements and whether he had talked to Soto about them. He said, “I did have, you know, but it was just more like conversation having lunch the very next day. I was like, ‘Man, you know, like, you answer that question, it came from your heart. You were pretty honest. And before you know it, there’s a headline.’”

Mendoza believes this has been blown way out of proportion. Soto was asked a specific question, and he gave an honest answer. And in contrast to how this story was actually presented in the headlines, Mendoza’s chat with Soto was pretty casual as the two met for lunch. The Mets’ manager also knows why this has become such a huge thing, because it’s Soto, after all. If it were anyone else, it wouldn’t have been such a big deal.

But then again, one needs to be careful. “Even though it is coming from a good place, it could be a big deal,” added Mendoza, suggesting that Soto needs to learn to mince his words in New York, especially given the market size surrounding him.

And just like that, a lunch conversation turned into tabloid warfare. But when you’re Soto, even your salad dressing choices might spark debate. Mendoza’s calm response to the outrage reminds us that not every quote is a crisis. In the age of headline hysteria, maybe it’s time we stopped treating honesty like heresy—and let the man play baseball in peace.

Juan Soto more confident than ever with Mets

In a city where hot takes fly faster than fastballs, something remarkable is unfolding at Citi Field. The Mets aren’t just racking up wins—they’re rewriting the early-season playbook with Soto’s swagger fueling every inning. Bold proclamations aren’t unusual in baseball, but when a player steps into the spotlight with this kind of conviction, you know they’re not settling for mediocrity.

With the start the Mets have had to the season, not only Soto, but all of Queens should be satisfied. They are unbeaten at home with a 7-0 record and are flying with an 18-7 record. During a recent interview, Soto was asked about the atmosphere and mentality of his new team. He stated, “We don’t give up. No matter what happens in the game, we’re going to keep pushing. That’s what this team is all about.”

Soto also praised the Mets for their ability to finish the games and win, no matter the situation. He highlighted the team’s mental toughness and their ability to push through tough situations. Now that Soto has become one of the leaders in the clubhouse, the whole team seems to be clicking.

As the Mets continue their scorching start, one thing is clear: they’re not just a team on a hot streak—they’re a team with purpose, and Soto is leading the charge. With the entire squad in sync and a mental toughness to match, it’s safe to say that the only thing hotter than their record is Soto’s confidence. Buckle up, Queens—this ride is just getting started, and the competition better be ready.