Juan Soto’s First Season with the Mets: A Mixed Journey
When you look at the stats, Juan Soto’s debut season with the Mets could be deemed a success.
The star outfielder, who made headlines by moving from the Bronx to Queens with a massive 15-year, $765 million deal, ended up third in the National League MVP race. He also set personal bests in several offensive stats, such as hitting 43 home runs and stealing 38 bases.
However, it wasn’t all smooth sailing. Soto, 27, struggled at the beginning, hitting just .241 and only managing three home runs and 12 RBIs by the end of April, which understandably made Mets fans a bit anxious.
During this tough patch, Soto sought advice from Carlos Beltrán, a former outfielder who knows a thing or two about handling big contracts in New York.
“He once mentioned that he faced similar struggles when he was in New York,” Soto referenced in an interview. “Everyone felt the pressure, and to cope, he started carrying a card with his stats on it. Whenever he felt the weight of expectations, he’d look at that card and remind himself of who he really was as a player.” That simple switch in mindset helped him get through it.
Beltrán understands the pressure that comes with such a significant contract all too well. After an impressive postseason in 2004, where he hit eight home runs with the Astros, he signed a then-record seven-year, $119 million deal with the Mets.
Although he made the All-Star team in 2005, Beltrán encountered a rough patch—suffering through injuries and a notorious on-field incident—leading to career lows in key stats.
Yet, the following years saw him reestablish his prowess, averaging 33 home runs and 113 RBIs, and winning consecutive Gold Glove Awards. Even though his later seasons were marred by injuries, he became one of the franchise’s most impactful players.
The Mets didn’t have to wait until 2026 to witness Soto’s elite potential. Despite missing the playoffs and facing challenges, he led the league in walks with 127 and boasted an on-base percentage of .396. He was also tied with O’Neal Cruz for the most stolen bases in the National League, with 38.
Soto made history for the Mets by becoming the first player to hit at least 40 home runs and steal 30 bases in a single season. He joined the ranks of legends Barry Bonds and Jeff Bagwell as one of the only players in MLB history to achieve 40 home runs, 30 stolen bases, and 100 walks in a season.
Ultimately, he ended up third in MVP voting, just behind Shohei Ohtani and Kyle Schwarber.
Beltrán, now an assistant to the Mets’ director of baseball operations, reflected on Soto’s return to Yankee Stadium. “No one enjoys being booed,” he commented. “But this was to be expected. Soto had performed well with the Yankees previously, and moving to the Mets came with its own set of challenges.” He added, “Soto handled it well.”
As the Mets head into a significant offseason—losing key players like Pete Alonso and Edwin Diaz while trading others like Brandon Nimmo and Jeff McNeil—Soto, along with Francisco Lindor, is poised to be integral to the team’s future.
Even in times of doubt, Soto remembers Beltrán’s advice and finds strength in it. “Looking back, I think that was the last piece of advice that really made a difference for me,” he reflected.
