Soto staying patient amid struggles: 'I will be' there to lift Mets soon

Juan Soto's New York Mets career hasn't gotten off to the start that anyone would have hoped, but the superstar is continuing to stay even-keeled through his struggles.

Despite mounting questions from fans about when he'll get going, Soto insisted Friday that he isn't feeling overwhelmed by expectations.

"I don't say any pressure. I'll say it's more about coming through for the team," Soto said after the Mets' 4-2 win over the Colorado Rockies, according to SNY's Phillip Martinez. "Everybody is hoping I come through, and I want to hit for the team either way. Get some wins. I know I've been struggling, and I haven't been there for the team, but I will be."

Soto's slash line is at a career-worst .229/.355/.400 after 56 games with the Mets. He's only hit eight home runs and recorded 19 extra-base hits but has taken as many walks (42) as he has strikeouts.

Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns attributed part of Soto's issues to the slugger trying to shoulder too much of the team's load under the weight of his record $765-million contract.

"Do I think he's trying to do a little bit too much right now? Yeah, I think he's probably trying to do a little bit too much right now. And that is natural for a player who cares," Stearns said before Friday's game, according to Anthony DiComo of MLB.com.

Soto finally seemed to find a groove Friday. The 26-year-old snapped an 0-for-17 skid by lacing an RBI double in the third inning and went 2-for-4 in the win. While that might not get him completely out of the doldrums, Soto appeared hopeful that Friday's outburst was a good sign for the long term.

"It's a matter of time (before I have more of these games)," he said. "We don't know when it's going to come through. Just have to keep working on it."