Carlos Mendoza Reacts to Juan Soto’s Unexpected Decision in Yankees Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Josh Valdez | Last updated Jul 5, 2025 9:46 PM ET

The New York Mets are back on track, and star slugger Juan Soto is a big reason why. The 26-year-old has a four-game hitting streak, which coincides with the team's four-game winning streak.

Soto did damage against the New York Yankees on Friday and Saturday, going 3-for-4 with a homer, two RBI, and two runs scored in Friday's 6-5 win before going 1-for-3 with a RBI and a walk in Saturday's 12-6 win. The former World Series champion is now slashing .267/.401/.514 with 21 homers and 51 RBI over 89 games this season.

While Soto is known for his effectiveness at the plate, bunting has never been a big part of his game. However, the four-time All-Star bunted against his former team in the first inning of Saturday's game.

Mets manager Carlos Mendoza commented on it after the contest, via SNY.

"That's part of the show," he said with a laugh. "I definitely want him swinging the bat there, right? At anytime. But I trust a lot of these guys with the decision-making. He got it down, and we hit a grand slam after that."

Soto's sacrifice bunt moved Francisco Lindor to second base and Starling Marte to third. Pete Alonso then walked before Brandon Nimmo hit a 387-foot grand slam to right center.

"That's part of the show"

Carlos Mendoza was asked about Juan Soto bunting in the first inning: pic.twitter.com/sxXvXw9Bi0
— SNY (@SNYtv) July 5, 2025

The Mets clinched a series win over the Yankees on Saturday and would finish the sweep with a victory on Sunday. Southpaw pitcher Max Fried will start for the Yankees against Mets southpaw Brandon Waddell.

The game will start at 1:40 p.m. EST at Citi Field.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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