Forget Home Runs — THIS Is What Carlos Mendoza Really Loves About Juan Soto

When most people think about Juan Soto, they think about the towering home runs, the dramatic bat flips, the swagger, and that iconic shuffle in the batter’s box that has become a trademark. They think about the numbers — the OBP, the OPS+, the slugging percentages that make advanced statisticians and old-school fans alike nod in appreciation. But if you ask Carlos Mendoza, the newly appointed manager of the New York Yankees, there’s something far more captivating about Soto than his ability to launch baseballs into the upper decks.

It’s not about the power. It’s not even about the patience at the plate. What Carlos Mendoza admires — what he really loves — about Juan Soto is something deeper, something more human, and perhaps something that doesn’t always show up on the back of a baseball card.

The Mental Game Behind the Superstar

Mendoza has watched Soto for years, first as an opponent when Soto played for the Washington Nationals, and more recently, now that Soto has become a crucial part of the Yankees’ high-octane offense. According to Mendoza, what sets Soto apart isn’t just the swing — it’s the mindset, the way he approaches the game not as a series of highlights, but as a relentless pursuit of small victories.

“Juan’s baseball IQ is off the charts,” Mendoza told reporters in spring training. “People talk about the home runs, but they miss how he sets up pitchers. He’s not up there just trying to hit — he’s studying. He’s dissecting every at-bat.”

That obsession with mastering the game mentally is what endears Soto to his manager. The discipline, the focus, and the relentless desire to learn — that’s what Mendoza believes will make Soto not just a great player, but a historic one.

A Student of the Craft

While fans marvel at Soto’s bat speed and plate coverage, Mendoza is more likely to point out the way Soto studies pitchers, even on days he’s not in the lineup. During pregame sessions, Soto can often be seen poring over scouting reports, engaging with hitting coaches, and even watching bullpen sessions of opposing pitchers.

“He’ll ask questions that make our analytics guys pause,” Mendoza said with a laugh. “He’ll say, ‘Why did this guy throw me a cutter here instead of a slider?’ And he’s not asking for fun — he’s genuinely trying to break down the psychology behind every pitch.”

This approach resonates with Mendoza, who has long emphasized preparation and mental sharpness as the foundation of elite performance. He often tells younger players on the team, “Watch Soto. Don’t just watch his swing — watch how he thinks.” In many ways, Mendoza sees Soto as the embodiment of the ‘thinking man’s ballplayer’ — a player who brings fire and flair, but whose roots are in deep, deliberate study.

Leadership Without Needing to Shout

When it comes to leadership, Juan Soto isn’t the loudest voice in the clubhouse. He’s not going to give a rousing speech before every game or pound his chest in the dugout. But according to Carlos Mendoza, Soto leads by example in ways that speak louder than words ever could.

“Soto holds himself accountable, and the other guys see that,” Mendoza said. “If he goes 0-for-4, he doesn’t sulk. He’s the first one in the cage the next day. That sets a tone.”

In an environment like New York — where media scrutiny is constant, where the stakes are always sky-high — that steady temperament is invaluable. Mendoza views Soto’s calm demeanor as a stabilizing force in a roster filled with high expectations and marquee names. It’s not just about Soto’s performance on the field — it’s about the example he sets when no one is watching.

A Relentless Competitor

Don’t mistake Soto’s poise for passivity. Beneath the calm exterior is a fierce competitor who, according to Mendoza, “hates losing more than he loves winning.”

That competitive edge manifests in subtle ways. Mendoza recalls a game early in the season when Soto struck out looking on a borderline pitch. Instead of arguing with the umpire or slamming his bat, Soto simply walked back to the dugout, replaying the at-bat in his mind. Minutes later, he was in front of a monitor with the hitting coach, studying the pitch sequence.

“He wants to win every pitch, not just every game,” Mendoza said. “He’ll analyze everything — how the pitcher’s arm slot changed, how the shadows looked in the batter’s box. That’s the level of detail he cares about.”

To Mendoza, that intensity is contagious. It lifts the standard for everyone around Soto. And in a clubhouse with stars like Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton, that’s saying something.

Off the Field: Humility and Humanity

There’s another reason Carlos Mendoza is such a believer in Juan Soto — one that goes beyond baseball. Mendoza, a native of Venezuela, sees in Soto a reflection of what Latin American players can become when they combine talent with humility and hard work with heart.

“He’s proud of where he comes from, and he never forgets it,” Mendoza says. “He gives back. He’s involved with his community. He treats everyone — from the batboys to the clubhouse staff — with respect.”

In an era where egos can balloon alongside fame, Mendoza values Soto’s grounded nature. Despite being one of the most marketable faces in baseball, Soto still carries himself like someone who remembers where he started — a teenager from the Dominican Republic with a dream and a bat.

Mendoza recalls how Soto once stayed behind after a long road game to talk with a group of young Latin American fans waiting by the team bus. He signed autographs, posed for pictures, and offered words of encouragement. “He didn’t have to do that,” Mendoza said. “But that’s who he is. He’s never too big for the moment — or for the people.”

Building a Culture of Excellence

For Carlos Mendoza, Soto represents more than a generational talent. He’s a cultural pillar — someone who embodies the values Mendoza wants to instill in the Yankees: hard work, focus, respect, and a hunger for greatness.

“He’s the kind of guy you build around,” Mendoza said. “Not just because of what he does, but how he does it. If we’re going to win big, it’s going to be with guys like him leading the way.”

Indeed, as the Yankees chase another World Series ring, Soto’s presence looms large. And while the highlight reels will continue to showcase the towering home runs and walk-off hits, Carlos Mendoza’s admiration lies in the hidden brilliance — the grind behind the scenes, the hours of film, the quiet conversations with teammates, the endless pursuit of marginal gains.

To Mendoza, those are the things that separate a good player from a great one. And those are the reasons why he truly loves Juan Soto — not just as a player, but as a cornerstone of a winning culture.

Conclusion: A Love Rooted in Respect

In today’s sports landscape, it’s easy to fall in love with the flash — the dramatic walk-offs, the viral moments, the spectacle. But Carlos Mendoza’s admiration for Juan Soto isn’t rooted in the obvious. It’s grounded in something more enduring: respect. Respect for the process. Respect for the game. Respect for the person.

Yes, Soto can hit home runs that make the stadium shake. But what Mendoza sees — and what he values most — is the quiet greatness. The work no one sees. The thought behind every swing. The leadership that doesn’t need a spotlight.

So next time Soto steps up to the plate and the crowd rises in anticipation, remember this: it’s not just the bat that makes him special — it’s the brain, the heart, and the relentless pursuit of excellence behind it all. That, more than any home run, is what Carlos Mendoza really loves about Juan Soto.