Juan Soto’s initial month with the Mets has been a bit rocky, as fans have eagerly anticipated the $765 million player’s performance. It wasn’t until the Mets faced the Diamondbacks on May 1 that he hit his first home run at Citi Field.
Maybe this is what he needed—a moment to reignite that spark that’s been a hallmark of his career. He’s been with the Yankees since the start of 2024, and perhaps that’s familiar territory for him.
During his last homestand, Soto didn’t just hit his first Citi Field homer; he actually managed to knock two out of the park. Since that game, he has started to resemble the player the Mets hoped to sign back in December.
As the Mets prepared to face the Cubs on Friday, Soto was riding a wave of momentum, with impressive stats over the last seven games: 26 at-bats with six extra-base hits (two doubles and four home runs) and six walks in his last 33 plate appearances.
This hot streak has elevated his OPS from .752 to .863. Even before this surge, manager Carlos Mendoza was optimistic—believing that Soto was close to breaking through, despite his OPS dipping to a season low just before he hit that long-awaited homer.
There were moments when the home crowd’s frustration was palpable, especially during his slump where commentary surrounded him and fellow players like Pete Alonso and Francisco Lindor.
Upon returning to Queens, Soto has been hitting like a top-tier player. His recent five hits have all traveled at least 100 miles per hour off the bat.
“People tend to forget he’s only human,” one scout remarked about Soto. “He’s been under pressure for quite some time. It might have taken him a bit to really find his rhythm this season, but Mendoza had faith—no need to make drastic changes.”
Mets fans are hopeful for Jeff McNeill, who left Thursday’s game with a hamstring issue after a triple, but indications are that he’s ready to return.
Mendoza downplayed any injury concerns after the recent match. McNeill was observed on the field, while Brandon Nimmo, dealing with his own discomfort, was seen stretching out his legs as he chased balls in the outfield.
