Juan Soto Facing Major Backlash for Message After Mets’ Fourth Straight Loss originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The New York Mets dropped their fourth straight game on Tuesday, falling 5-4 in 10 innings to the Atlanta Braves. Though they jumped ahead early—thanks to Juan Soto’s first-inning homer and Tyrone Taylor’s two-run double—they couldn’t hold the lead.
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Soto was a highlight early, blasting his 14th homer of the season in the first inning, but he also made a critical base running error in the ninth that proved costly. With a runner on first and no outs, he hesitated between bases and was doubled off after Pete Alonso’s fly to right.
After the game, Soto attributed the mistake to indecision from the umpires
“We rely on the umpires,” he said. “We wait on them to make the call. The goal is look for the umpire and make sure he makes the right call. But I felt like he took way too long to make the decision and it just put me in a tough spot.”
The comments sparked immediate backlash from fans and analysts, many frustrated by Soto’s lack of accountability.
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“Wow blaming the umpire. Use your eyes dude. Watch the play. They pay you enough to do that? Little Leaguer’s don’t make this mistake,” one fan wrote.
“Use your eyes Soto, the play is right in front of you,” another fan added.
“Then don’t go so far down the line Juan, if you’re going to depend solely on the umpire,” another fan mentioned.
New York Mets right fielder Juan Soto (22) and manager Carlos Mendoza (64) talk to umpire Quinn Wolcott (81) © Brett Davis-Imagn Images
“Why are you looking at the umpire to decide how you run bases?” a fan questioned.
“Was it hard to see? Looked hella good on the TV. ACUNA>SOTO,” another fan said.
“What a joke, what an absolute joke. If he was confused then LOOK AT YOUR FIRST BASE COACH JUAN! He was calling you back right away!” a fan remarked.
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“All that money so you can freeze middle of 1st and 2nd base lmfao,” another fan posted.
Related: Carlos Mendoza Breaks Silence on Controversial Decision in Mets’ Loss to Braves
Related: Brett Baty’s Message After Absence From Mets Lineup on Tuesday
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 18, 2025, where it first appeared.