Juan Soto has become the reluctant NY Mets leader we didn’t know we wanted

What are the best kinds of leaders? The New York Mets are finding out an answer.

A quote I seem to have misremembered as being attributed to Mark Twain, the best ones are the reluctant ones. A Google search of the quote about the best leaders being the ones who should be put into power “kicking and screaming” yielded me no results other than some images of Will Ferrell and Mike Ditka. Beans from Even Stevens is there, too.

After their fourth straight win and sweep of the Miami Marlins, Juan Soto was asked about being a mentor to the young Mets outfield duo, Carson Benge and A.J. Ewing. His first words were about not accepting the role of mentor, instead suggesting they are his peers. It was the best response he probably could have had.

Juan Soto is cleaning up any questions about a lack of Mets leadership we might’ve had

To clear the air immediately, this isn’t about Francisco Lindor at all. The Mets can have more than one leader and leadership style. Soto has proven multiple times this year how he intends to lead and it’s by example and as a peer.

Never one believed to have leadership traits the way we were accustomed to, becoming the highest paid player on the roster (and in the history of the sport) kind of forced him into it. Add in the fact he’s playing alongside players greener and younger than him, it was only natural for Soto to embrace the Mets youth the same way many fans have.

It’s easy to lead by example when you avoid off-the-field controversy and do everything possible to perform like an all-time great. When the Mets brought in Marcus Semien this winter, they hoped he could bring leadership with him. No doubt he has the right mindset, it’s not easy being 1) new to a team and 2) performing the way he has. Other veterans, like Freddy Peralta and Bo Bichette, have the experience to lead but they’re playing for a contract and run into the same pitfall any short-term mercenary would. Everything is brand new to them and they could be gone in a flash.

A divisive offseason which seemed to extend beyond who the Mets let go, there was a question of whether or not the team had a divided locker room. Soto’s business-like approach to the game and Lindor’s more friendly, let’s have fun demeanor clashed. Lindor liked fashion. Soto wanted to take extra batting practice. That’s kind of what it all seemed to boil down to.

Soto didn’t really have a choice in becoming a leader. Although reluctant might not fully apply, his comments suggest it’s not a role he demanded. The idea that Brandon Nimmo would have had an issue if Lindor got the C on his chest came via Adam Ottavino during an early offseason look behind the curtains.

As one of the best players in his sport on the planet, Soto has done a fine job lifting up his teammates. He seems in love with Benge and Ewing and how could he not be? The youngsters play with heart and excitement. Whoever plays beside him in center field or bats in front or behind him makes his job easier.

On the morning of May 28, WFAN host Gregg Giannotti questioned if Soto cared more about his individual stats than the success of the Mets. Comments like these from Soto remind us that he’s not the selfish player some believe he is.

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