Eric Chavez reveals how Mets ‘coddle’ Juan Soto — and David Stearns’ reaction

Former Mets hitting coach and bench coach Eric Chavez recently criticized president of baseball operations David Stearns in a podcast. Chavez revealed that Juan Soto, a star player on the team, would often sit on couches near the batting cages instead of being in the dugout with his teammates. Chavez expressed his disappointment in Stearns for not addressing this issue and allowing Soto to isolate himself during games.

Chavez also mentioned that he had raised concerns about Soto’s behavior to Stearns, emphasizing that it set a negative example for younger players on the team. However, Stearns reportedly brushed off the issue by stating that other players needed to understand that they were not Juan Soto. The former coach did not disclose the identity of the assistant GM who would sit with Soto during games.

In addition to the Soto situation, Chavez highlighted other red flags about Stearns, including being asked to take a pay cut and receiving an email instructing minor league hitters to focus on pull-side power. These incidents, along with the team’s underperformance, have contributed to mounting criticism against Stearns in his third year with the Mets.

Stearns, who was previously with the Brewers, was known for his ability to find hidden talent. However, his tenure with the Mets has been marred by a lack of success, with the team failing to make the playoffs in 2025 and starting the current season with a poor record. Despite having a roster valued at over $320 million, the team has struggled on the field.

The firing of manager Carlos Mendoza has only intensified the scrutiny on Stearns, leaving him vulnerable to criticism. Stearns spearheaded a significant roster overhaul in recent years, which included letting go of popular players like Pete Alonso, Brandon Nimmo, and Edwin Diaz. Juan Soto, who was brought in as part of the team’s new direction, signed a massive contract worth $765 million over 15 years in 2024.

As the pressure mounts on Stearns to turn the team’s fortunes around, fans and former members of the organization like Chavez continue to voice their concerns about the direction of the Mets under his leadership. The future of the team and Stearns’ position within the organization remain uncertain as the season progresses.