The Freeway Park walls are surrounded by so many questions these days. The club that won the first 20 games this season is now having trouble keeping up that pace. First, the Subway Series against their crosstown rivals, and now it’s the game against the Red Sox. But why the rapid change? The absence of homers? Or to be more specific, Juan Soto’s failing form. What can be done to fix it? The manager knows…

Their recent 3-1 loss to Boston just added fuel to the fire that took place after losing the Subway Series. But what draws the attention?

The game was on the line in the sixth inning when a strong swing sent the ball flying toward the famous Green Monster. Everyone in the crowd held their breath, waiting for a home run. It was just a single. And when the ball hit the wall, the focus changed from the ball’s path to what the batter, Juan Soto, was doing. There was whispering about his response, or lack of reaction, which became the main topic of conversation after the game.

Who jumped in? Obviously, the man in charge.

When asked about what happened, Mets Manager Carlos Mendoza didn’t hold back. “We’ll talk to him about it,” Mendoza said. “Tonight, obviously, someone gets a hold of one and knows when he gets it, it’s Juan. And he thought he had it, the wind and all that. And in this ballpark … with that wall right there, you’ve got to get out of the box. So we’ll discuss that.” 

Mendoza’s words show how important it is to be aware of your surroundings and hustle. But is Juan Soto on the same page?

When asked about the play and how he seemed to be taking things too slowly, Soto stayed calm. “I hit it pretty hard … tried to get to second, but it wasn’t enough.” He then added, “I think I’ve been hustling pretty hard. If you see it today, you could tell.”

Soto’s defense of his acts shows that he believes in his hard work.

But the incident has brought up questions about player responsibility and the standards that are set for games. So, can he improve? Moreover, is he the only loophole in the lineup? Or are the Mets struggling collectively?

Mets’ offense falters again

On May 19, 2025, the New York Mets lost 3-1 to the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park because their offense was still having trouble. Looking at both teams, the Red Sox also have problems in their bullpen. But it was the Mets’ performance that raised questions.

The Mets’ offense has been terrible lately. They have scored three runs or fewer in six straight games. Juan Soto’s fall in form is one reason for this slump. His recent games have not lived up to standards. The team had just one hit in eight chances with runners in scoring position and left six men on base. And how did Boston respond?

The Red Sox bullpen was very important in earning the win. Hunter Dobbins, the starter, left the game in the fifth inning. After him, pitchers Justin Wilson, Greg Weissert, Justin Slaten, and Aroldis Chapman pitched 4 1/3 scoreless innings, giving up only three hits and striking out five. Wilson struck out Francisco Lindor to end a threat in the fifth inning, and Slaten got Lindor to ground out in a similar situation in the seventh. Chapman got his seventh save of the season with a double play to end the game.

And the Mets’ pitching? They sure gave a fight! Even though starter Kodai Senga pitched well for six innings and gave up three earned runs, the Mets couldn’t score. The first runs scored by Boston, helped by Jarren Duran and Trevor Story, set the tone for the rest of the game.

So, if the Mets want to get back on track after these setbacks, they need to fix their problems right away. Not just Juan Soto, but the entire lineup. Don’t you think?