In a statement that has shocked the baseball world and ignited a firestorm across social media and sports networks, New York Mets Manager Carlos Mendoza made an unexpected and controversial remark during a post-game press conference last night. The manager, responding to a question about clubhouse dynamics and media narratives, declared:
“He’s going to kick Juan Soto out of the Mets if he doesn’t resign WOKE.”
The statement, ambiguous yet bold, instantly lit up headlines, with fans, pundits, and players alike scrambling to interpret what Mendoza meant and what it could mean for Juan Soto’s future in Queens.
The Context
Juan Soto, the 26-year-old All-Star outfielder and one of the most talented hitters in Major League Baseball, was acquired by the Mets during the offseason in a blockbuster trade that stunned fans. Since arriving in New York, Soto has maintained solid performance stats — batting .304 with 15 home runs and 47 RBIs through the first two months of the season.
However, in recent weeks, speculation has swirled around Soto’s off-field persona. Soto, known for his unapologetic confidence and occasional criticisms of performative social stances in sports, has reportedly clashed with certain team advisors and public relations consultants encouraging a more “woke” image — referring to a socially progressive and politically aware stance that has become a point of both celebration and controversy in American sports.
Mendoza’s Shocking Words
Carlos Mendoza, a generally diplomatic figure, rarely makes headlines for outbursts. But during Tuesday night’s post-game interview, when asked if Soto was becoming a distraction to the team’s “values,” Mendoza replied, visibly irritated:
“Look, I’ll say it plain: If Juan doesn’t resign woke, he’s out. I don’t care who you are, if you’re not aligned with the culture we’re building here, there’s no room for you.”
Gasps were heard from the press pool. It wasn’t immediately clear whether Mendoza meant “resign” as in to quit, or “re-sign” — to renew a contract — and the confusion was only amplified by the manager’s use of the term “woke” in such a blunt manner.
Soto Responds — Calmly, Yet Powerfully
Within hours, Juan Soto issued a statement via his social media accounts:
“I don’t play baseball to check ideological boxes. I play because I love this game and because I’ve earned every swing, every jersey, and every fan. If someone wants me gone because I’m not putting on a show outside the field, that says more about them than me.”
Soto’s response was met with widespread support online, with hashtags like #StandWithSoto and #LetHimPlay trending within minutes. Teammates such as Pete Alonso and Francisco Lindor shared the statement, subtly signaling solidarity with Soto.
In a brief media appearance this morning, Soto elaborated further:
“I believe in justice. I believe in fairness. I also believe in authenticity. I won’t parade around with slogans I don’t understand or believe in. That’s not me. And I don’t think that should be forced on any athlete.”
Reactions from Around the League
The response from the wider baseball community has been swift and mixed. Former players and commentators weighed in on the matter, with some defending Mendoza’s remarks as a call for team unity, while others labeled them authoritarian and misguided.
Stephen A. Smith, on ESPN’s First Take, blasted Mendoza:
“You don’t threaten to kick a player out over some vague cultural checklist. That’s not leadership. That’s a power trip.”
On the other hand, Fox Sports’ Clay Travis defended Mendoza, stating:
“If ‘woke’ just means being a good teammate and understanding the image you present to the world, then maybe Mendoza’s got a point. But if it’s political coercion? Then he’s way off base.”
What Happens Now?
The Mets front office has not issued an official statement yet, though sources within the organization suggest that team owner Steve Cohen was “blindsided” by Mendoza’s comments and has called an emergency meeting with both Mendoza and Soto to “restore unity and clarity.”
Behind the scenes, there are growing concerns that the drama could impact locker room morale and even affect the team’s playoff ambitions. The Mets, currently sitting at 2nd place in the NL East, cannot afford internal strife in what is shaping up to be a critical season.
Final Thoughts
In a time when sports and politics are more intertwined than ever, Carlos Mendoza’s controversial statement has reignited debates around freedom of expression, the role of ideology in professional athletics, and what it truly means to be part of a team. Whether Soto remains with the Mets may ultimately depend less on his batting average and more on how the team chooses to define its cultural identity.
One thing is clear: this story is far from over.
