Juan Soto faced criticism for his perceived lack of hustle early in the season, earning the nickname “Juan Slo-Mo” in the tabloids, yet the strategy of not always sprinting can be defensible to prevent injuries over the long season. Players like Mike Trout and Kyle Schwarber acknowledge the need for smart hustle, balancing effort with injury management, while others like Bryce Harper emphasize the importance of knowing when to exert maximum effort. Ultimately, hustle remains a nuanced aspect of baseball, where players must navigate the risk-reward dynamic for both personal health and team success.