It's still early, but Juan Soto's slow start with the New York Mets is one of baseball's hottest topics. The 26-year-old, who signed a record-breaking 15-year, $765 million contract with the club this past offseason, is slashing .246/.376/.439 with eight homers and 20 RBI over 47 games thus far.

Soto hasn't had a multi-hit game or hit a homer since May 9, when he went 2-for-4 with a home run, two RBI, a walk, and a run scored in New York's 7-2 win over the Chicago Cubs. Additionally, the five-time Silver Slugger has yet to notch a three-hit game this year.

There was a disagreement between Soto and Mets manager Carlos Mendoza through the media after New York's loss to the Boston Red Sox on Monday. After not running hard for the second-straight game, Soto's lack of hustle was noted by his manager.

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"We'll talk to him about it," Mendoza said. "... In this ballpark with that wall right there, you gotta get out of the box. We'll discuss that."

Disagreeing, Soto told reporters, "I think I've been hustling pretty hard. If you see it today, you could tell."

Following this public difference in opinions, Mendoza spoke on his star outfielder with reporters on Tuesday.

"A lot of times, frustrations are going to get the best of them, especially a guy like that," Mendoza said. "He's so talented and had so much success early in his career."

He added, "Right now, he feels like maybe he can do a little bit more for the team, and that's part of it... At the same time, a guy like him, he wants to be challenged. He wants to be coached and that's what makes him special."

Soto will have an opportunity to get back on track when the Mets play Game 2 of their three-game set against the Red Sox on Tuesday night at Fenway Park in Boston.

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