Mets put Juan Soto as leadoff hitter in search of offensive reaction

NEW YORK. — In an attempt to spark their offense, the New York Mets have decided to place Juan Soto as the leadoff hitter at the start of this Monday’s series against the Colorado Rockies.

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The decision by manager Carlos Mendoza comes amid a complicated start to the season for the New York team, which has a 12-22 record and is looking for alternatives to improve its offensive production. It will be only the third time in Soto’s career that he occupies the leadoff position. The previous times date back to his years with the Washington Nationals, in the 2018 and 2021 seasons. So far this season, the star outfielder had been used mostly as the number two hitter in the lineup. Despite the collective bad moment, Soto has been one of the most consistent points of the team, with a solid offensive line of .314/.415/.500 and three home runs. His performance contrasts with that of the Mets, who occupy the last place in the Major Leagues in OPS (.633). The Dominican also presents good numbers at Coors Field, the scene of the game, where he has played 24 games with outstanding offensive production. The Mets will face right-hander Tomoyuki Sugano, who has a 3-1 record and a 2.84 ERA, in a duel that could determine the team’s immediate course. In the lineup, Soto will be followed by Bo Bichette, MJ Melendez and Mark Vientos, among others, in a restructuring that seeks to generate the offensive spark that has been lacking in the New York team.