Juan Soto's meteoric rise with the Mets was fueled by a simple yet powerful strategy: drawing inspiration from Carlos Beltran's own journey. Despite a slow start, Soto's first season with the Mets was a statistical triumph, setting career-highs in home runs and stolen bases. However, the pressure of a massive contract and the scrutiny from fans led to a slump. That's when Soto turned to Beltran, a retired outfielder who understands the weight of such a contract. Beltran shared his own experience of struggling in New York, where he faced intense pressure and criticism. To combat this, Beltran carried a card with his stats, reminding himself of his true value as a player. Soto adopted a similar approach, using Beltran's advice to break free from his slump and excel in the season ahead. Despite the Mets' playoff miss, Soto's impact was undeniable, leading the league in walks and on-base percentage, and becoming the first Mets player to achieve 40 home runs and 30 steals in a single season. Beltran, now an assistant to the Mets' president of baseball operations, praised Soto's performance, highlighting his resilience and ability to handle pressure. With Soto's continued growth and Beltran's guidance, the Mets are poised for success in the upcoming season, even as they navigate a transformative offseason.
