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With the New York Mets, Juan Soto remains one of the franchise pillars, and a major portion of the team's expectations for the 2026 MLB season will rest on his shoulders. However, manager Carlos Mendoza has a clear and specific plan for his superstar-particularly on the defensive side.
The Mets skipper will move Soto full-time to left field, and improving defense is now a priority for both the organization and the player as they prepare for Opening Day 2026.
Defensive changes for Juan Soto
The Mets organization confirmed earlier this month that Soto will transition permanently to left field. David Stearns, president of baseball operations, explained that the move aligns with the team's new roster construction and long-term vision.
This is not unfamiliar territory for the Dominican slugger. Soto previously logged innings in left field with the Washington Nationals and San Diego Padres. The change is not designed to diminish his value but rather to maximize his impact in run prevention and strengthen the overall Mets outfield defense.
"He's one of those players where it's like, alright, what's the part of my game that I need to improve on? And the defense is the first one-and he knows it."
Those were the words of Carlos Mendoza on MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM, as he discussed the mindset of the 2019 World Series champion and the defensive priorities during Spring Training.
Run prevention remains one of the biggest areas the Mets must address after the 2025 season. With Soto entering his prime at 27 years old and carrying one of the most lucrative long-term contracts in MLB, the franchise expects him to deliver not only elite offensive production but also meaningful defensive improvement.
For the Mets, Soto's transition to left field could be a defining factor in their push to contend in the NL East in 2026.