Juan Soto's behavior on the New York Mets has sparked controversy, with former hitting coach Eric Chavez claiming the front office coddled the superstar. On June 29, 2026, Chavez spoke out about the situation on his 'EC3' podcast.

What happened?

Chavez alleged that Soto would sometimes remain in the clubhouse between innings while his teammates were in the dugout, and that the front office did nothing to address it.

Why it matters for Juan Soto

This lack of accountability, according to Chavez, sends the wrong message to the rest of the team, given Soto's role as one of the club's leaders. Chavez questioned the way the organization treated Soto compared to the rest of the team.

What comes next?

The pressure now shifts to David Stearns, the Mets president of baseball operations, who believes he has the full support of Mets owner Steve Cohen. Stearns stated that he still believes the organization is moving in the right direction, despite the team's consistent shortcomings.

The Mets fired manager Carlos Mendoza on June 28, 2026, after two and a half seasons with the organization. Chavez claimed that Stearns viewed the situation with Soto differently, saying 'those players need to learn that they're not Juan Soto.'

Chavez's comments have shed light on the deeper cultural issues within the Mets organization. The former hitting coach served on the Mets' coaching staff from 2024 to 2025 and witnessed the treatment firsthand.

The Mets' slow start to the season had made Mendoza's firing seem inevitable. However, the move has now put Stearns under scrutiny, with many questioning his handling of the situation with Soto.

Stearns believes that the organization is building a foundation that can deliver success. He stated that he doesn't believe the team's record on the field this year is indicative of the advances they've made in the organization.

The situation with Soto has sparked debate about the Mets' leadership and accountability. Chavez's comments have added fuel to the fire, with many calling for change within the organization.

On June 29, 2026, Chavez's comments were shared on social media, with many reacting to the news. The situation continues to unfold, with many waiting to see how the Mets will respond to the controversy surrounding Soto's treatment.