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Mets Announce Juan Soto, Pete Alonso Move After Loss to Red Sox

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Josh Valdez | Last updated May 21, 2025 6:41 PM ET

The New York Mets (29-20) are in the midst of their first three-game losing streak of the season, and it's no secret why they're struggling. They've scored just three runs over that stretch, and just one over the last two contests against the Boston Red Sox (25-25).

Superstar sluggers Pete Alonso and Juan Soto are a combined 3-for-22 with two walks over the losing streak. The former is slashing .294/.400/.544 with nine homers and 37 RBI, but the latter is slashing just .247/.379/.437 with eight homers and 20 RBI after signing a record-breaking 15-year, $765 million contract with the Mets in the offseason.

New York announced a lineup change before Wednesday's game vs. Boston, via its social media.

The team inserted left fielder Starling Marte into the second spot in the order, which is where Soto usually hits. It also slid the latter player down to third, and Alonso from third to fourth.

Marte is slashing .211/.315/.329 with two homers and 12 RBI this season.

Wednesday's lineup. #LGM pic.twitter.com/kakRAREzkT
— New York Mets (@Mets) May 21, 2025

Mets manager Carlos Mendoza explained the rationale behind the decision, via SNY.

"Trying to shuffle some things around. I'm not a guy that likes to overreact," he said. "I like consistency, give guys chances. But I just felt today was a day to move some people around, and especially the guys at the top, you know. "

"Facing a lefty [Garrett Crochet], I knew I was gonna go Soto third and Pete fourth. Looking for a right-handed bat to in that two-hole, and it came down to Mark [Vientos] or Marte. I decided to go with Marte today."

"Trying to shuffle some things around"

Carlos Mendoza talks about moving Juan Soto and Pete Alonso to 3rd and 4th in the batting order, and how his decision was made "easier" after discussing with both players pic.twitter.com/xNGA6IDDQg
— SNY (@SNYtv) May 21, 2025