Acce s the Mets beat like never before Join Post Sports+ for exciting subscriber-only features, including real-time texting with Mike Puma about the inside buzz on the Mets. Certainly, no one expected that at the end of May, President of Baseball Operations David Stearns among others, like Carlos Mendoza would still be trying to explain Juan Sotos slow start to his Mets career. But there was Stearns on Friday, with hes been for much of his career, doing just that and acknowledging the $765 million slugger hasnt lived up to expectations. Do I think hes trying to do too much right now? Yeah, I think hes probably trying to do too much right now, Stearns said before the Mets opened a series against the Rockies in Queens. That is natural for a player who cares. Putting too much pre sure on himself certainly wasnt the case a year ago, when Soto did almost nothing but play well with the Yankees. David Stearns addre ses reporters during a pre s conference May 30. Robert Sabo for the NY Post Soto entered Friday with a .745 OPS, which isnt what the Mets signed up for, but the results have been even worse since May 10. After compiling an .891 OPS in his first 39 games, Soto had was just 7-for-59 with a double, 12 walks, 17 strikeouts and a feeble .396 OPS in his previous 16 games. Juan Soto reacts after striking out during a May 28 game against the White Sox. JASON SZENES/NY POST He was also hitle s in 17 straight at-bats in . Explore More Soto later picked up a single. Afterwards, he said he wasnt feeling pre sure. Its more that I want to come through for the team, Soto said. I know Ive been struggling and havent been there for them, but I will be. Its a matter of time. I dont know when it will come. Soto also entered Friday hitting just .130 in those spots, sixth worst in the majors. A year ago, he hit .345 seventh best in the majors T.J. Warren Jersey in the same scenarios. Juan Soto waits on deck during the Mets game against the Rockies on May 30. Corey Sipkin for the NY Post I think hes putting extra pre sure on himself in those situations, Stearns said. And you expand [the strike zone]. Its an unusual stretch for him and Im sure he feels it, so that can lead to discomfort and pre sure. Stearns said that despite the slump, he doesnt believe Sotos confidence has been impacted. CHECK OUT THE AND I dont, Stearns said. I think theres frustration. I have not sensed a confidence i sue. Delivering insights on all things Amazins Sign up for Inside the Mets by Mike Puma, exclusively on Sports+ Thank you By clicking above you agree to the and . Enjoy this Post Sports+ exclusive newsletter! Regardle s of Sotos attitude, his rotten first two months as a Met have gained plenty of attention around the sport. Hes working, hes trying, Stearns said. He wants results higher than what weve seen. Im pretty confident were gonna get those. I also understand when a player signs a big contract, if the results arent there, there are gonna be questions. Juan Soto (22) hits a single in the sixth inning against the Colorado Rockies, Friday, May 30, 2025, in Queens, NY. Corey Sipkin for the NY POST Asked to pinpoint a particular problem Soto is having thats led to this surprising start, Stearns said, I honestly dont have a, This is the i sue he needs to fix to get better. I think hes taking pretty good at-bats. But Stearns also noted Soto is hitting the ball on the ground more than in the past and scouts and executives also say this is the most significant change from Soto than in the past. And like just about everyone else a sociated with the organization, Stearns is waiting for Soto to turn it around. Its a very unique position hes in, Stearns said of Sotos hefty contract and ensuing spotlight. I am very confident it will maybe take a bloop or couple bloops or take connecting on one to exhale a little bit. I imagine its difficult when the results dont come. Reggie Miller Jersey