Carlos Mendoza gave up fair recognition for Juan Soto’s 2026 big change

Carlos Mendozamanager New York Metsdoes not hide the club’s defensive plans for Juan Soto 2026 With the superstar outfielder poised to move to left field full-time, Mendoza emphasized that defense is at the top of the improvement list for a club determined to tighten up run prevention ahead of the 2026 opener.

The The Mets confirmed Soto’s move to left field earlier this month, with the president of baseball operations David Stearns explaining the shift from right field made sense from both a list construction and convenience standpoint. After acknowledging that New York needed to improve its run prevention last season, positioning Soto in a more natural corner spot is directly in line with the organization’s renewed defensive emphasis.

New York also pointed to Soto’s previous experience in left field with the Washington Nationals and San Diego Padres as part of the rationale for the move. The position change isn’t about diminishing his value, but rather about maximizing the roster around a franchise cornerstone who was signed to a historic long-term contract.

MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM provided further context on X (formerly known as Twitter), sharing a video of the Mets manager discussing the way of thinking 2019 World Series champion and defensive priorities during camp.

“He’s one of those players where it’s all right, what part of my game do I need to improve, and defense comes first and he knows that.”

“He is one of those players where everything is fine, what part of my game do I need to improve, and defense is first and he knows that.

Carlos Mendoza talks to Juan Soto, left:#Mets #LGM #SpringTrainingTour
🔗 https://t.co/VG5ziiVTKm pic.twitter.com/v3dcnkedlE

— MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM (@MLBNetvorkRadio) February 24, 2026

These comments are consistent with the broader message coming out of the Mets spring training. Stearns has repeatedly emphasized run prevention as an area where the club have fallen in 2025, while the 27-year-old has spoken openly about improving different aspects of his game from season to season, with defense now a priority.

For the Mets, this blend of organizational transparency and player accountability will be key heading into the 2026 season. If a move to left field stabilizes the outfield and Soto combines sharper routes and positioning with his elite offensive production, the club’s defensive adjustments could quickly translate into significant gains in the NL East standings.