Juan Soto Named All-Star Starter

ATLANTA — This season, one of the standout players for the Mets is gearing up for the All-Star Game.

Juan Soto has been named the National League starter for the game on July 14 in Philadelphia.

He is the only player from the Mets selected for this honor.

Soto found out the news on Saturday, before the Mets faced the Braves at Trust Park.

The selection isn’t surprising at all. Soto boasts impressive stats, starting his career with the second-highest OPS in MLB at .971. He has also been a formidable hitter for the Mets, racking up 18 home runs and 41 RBIs over 69 games, despite missing nearly three weeks in April due to a calf strain.

Last summer, Soto expressed his frustration at not making the All-Star Game in his first year with the Mets. He mentioned, “We fell a little short last year, so that gave me more motivation to get better. I have to get better to be with the best players in the league. This year, my mentality shifted, and I’m thankful I was able to achieve that.”

While he’s considering entering the Home Run Derby, Soto hasn’t committed just yet. “I need to see where my body is,” he explained. “How much do we need to recover and be ready for the second half? We’ll weigh all the possibilities and take it from there.”

For the Mets, Luke Weaver and Huascar Brazoban are the only other players who have shown potential for an All-Star selection based on their performances, though as setup relievers, their chances are slim since the focus typically leans toward starting pitchers and closers.

Weaver and Brazoban will remain as replacement options in the National League.

Last season, the Mets sent Francisco Lindor, Pete Alonso, Edwin Diaz, and David Peterson to the All-Star Game.

This marks Soto’s fifth All-Star selection. He has previously represented the Nationals, Padres, and Yankees at this summer showcase.

Reflecting on the experience, Soto said, “It’s always an incredible experience, and I think we’ll have a similar experience here.” He added gratitude towards fans, particularly from the Dominican Republic, stating, “Thanks to the people in New York; they voted so much. Mets fans are truly incredible people, and I appreciate everything they’ve done for me over the last two years.”