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'It was hard' - New York Mets outfielder Juan Soto makes honest admission and explains his odd move during the middle of an inning

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Zach Ragan | Last updated Apr 9, 2025 9:33 AM ET

New York Mets outfielder Juan Soto is in the first year of a $765 million contract -- the richest contract in the history of North American sports -- so naturally, he's going to be criticized every time there's a play that he doesn't make.

On Tuesday, in the first inning of the Mets' 10-5 win against the Miami Marlins, Soto had trouble with a routine fly ball that fell in for a single and eventually resulted in a run for the Marlins.

The fly ball had a 99 percent catch probability, but Soto was unable to get to it, partially due to the blustery conditions at Citi Field (the game was moved up three hours because of the cold/windy conditions).

Xavier Edwards singles on a fly ball to right fielder Juan Soto (04/08/25)
Hang: 5.0s | Fielder Distance: 59ft.

Catch Odds: 99%
Single#LGM #MarlinsBeisbol
: https://t.co/haEIPZgyCE pic.twitter.com/2nXKF4E18w
— Not Caught Bot (@NotCaughtBot) April 8, 2025

After the game, Soto was asked about the tough playing conditions.

"It was hard," said Soto. "It was hard, just dealing with the shadows and dealing with the cold weather and everything. Windy day. I feel like these guys (teammates) did a really good job to just stay in the game and [didn't] let that affect them."

"I think I've played in [colder] games before, but [today] was right at the top, too," added Soto when asked if it was the coldest game he's played in.

In the top of the sixth inning, the SNY broadcast caught a unique moment when Soto actually entered the Mets' bullpen in the outfield during the middle of a pitching change.

Via A To Z Sports

Soto was asked if he entered the bullpen to stay warm.

"I like those guys, I like to talk to them," responded Soto (which drew laughter from reporters).

(I'm guessing that Soto was indeed looking for some warmth.)

The conditions were certainly tough in Queens on Tuesday, but Soto managed to go 2-for-4 at the plate with a walk and two runs scored. And most importantly for the Mets, they got the win -- New York's sixth in a row.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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