Even the Greats Grind: Chavez on Soto, Slumps, and Staying the Course

If you want a guy who’s been around the diamond more times than a carousel at Coney Island to talk about hitting, look no further than Eric Chavez. The Mets’ hitting coach isn’t just a former six-time Gold Glove third baseman and Athletics Hall of Famer — he’s also got the no-nonsense wisdom of a veteran who’s seen slumps, streaks, and everything in between.

I caught up with Chavez before the Mets took on the Nationals recently, and he broke down what’s behind Juan Soto’s recent tear, the delicate balance of batting order roles, and why the old adage “stay patient” is still as true as ever.

You’d think with a name like Juan Soto, there’d be some secret sauce, some overnight swing fix, or a wizard hiding behind the scenes making bats go whack. But Chavez says nope — Soto’s success this season, including a 2-run homer already in tonight’s game, is just the product of hard work and feeling comfortable.

“April’s usually when pitchers have the edge,” Chavez explained. “By June, hitters start to settle in, find their groove. Soto? No swing changes, no tricks. Just confidence in the uniform, and all the work he’s been putting in is paying off.”

That confidence has propelled Soto to a .341 batting average over his last dozen games, with 14 runs scored, multiple hits in nearly every game, and a staggering 55 walks so far leading the majors and setting a Mets franchise pace that even John Olerud would tip his cap to.

Chavez also talked about the mental grind that comes with a long season. “I was a slow starter myself. Early struggles? They can get in your head if you’re new. But Juan’s been through enough to know it’s a marathon. You keep working, keep grinding. The numbers will turn.”

Chavez is a big believer in patience and focusing on quality at-bats rather than trying to do too much.

“I tell the guys: Don’t obsess over homers or flashy hits. Just give me four solid at-bats. Swing at strikes, take the balls, don’t try to force things. Pass the baton to the next guy. The stats will follow.”

He’s been there himself remembering when he got shoved into the two-hole early in his career and felt he had to become someone else. “I learned, you gotta be yourself. The lineup spot might change, but your approach shouldn’t. Keep it simple. Trust your swing. The manager just wants consistent, quality work.”

We talked about how different players thrive in different spots Starling Marte owned the two-hole for years, Brandon Nimmo’s been successful both up and down the order, and Francisco Lindor recently shifted from the 3-4 spot to leadoff.

Chavez recognizes those personality shifts but warns against overthinking. “People think the leadoff guy just walks and the cleanup guy bombs homers all day. Reality? It’s about approach. Be ready for your role but don’t lose who you are.”

Chavez noted the Mets offense wasn’t always firing on all cylinders but now, “We’re starting to do it collectively. Pete Alonso’s been hot, Lindor’s finding his groove, and Soto’s leading the charge. It’s exciting going into the summer the heat is on, and the team is clicking.”

These aren’t just words they’re stitched into Chavez’s career like the seams of a baseball. “It’s a long season, a long game,” he said. “It’s about the work, the process, and staying positive. If you do that, the results will come.”

So, if you’re wondering how Juan Soto is suddenly looking like the Juan Soto of old it’s no magic, no mystery. Just hard work, patience, and a little comfort in his skin (and his uniform). And if the Mets keep getting those quality at-bats from the whole lineup? Well, let’s just say the Nationals might want to start looking over their shoulders.

Here is the full conversation with Eric Chavez: