QUEENS, NY — Juan Soto showed extra energy as he passed first base, realizing his 3-1 fastball hit off Braves reliever Austin Cox traveled 396 feet to right-center, clearing Michael Harris’ glove and the fence. He celebrated energetically before resuming his usual calm demeanor on his way to second. Soto’s seventh-inning home run, his second of the night in the 7-3 win over the Braves, marked his 27th career multi-home run game, breaking Jimmie Foxx’s previous record.
“I knew what I was chasing in that at-bat,” Soto revealed. “Seeing the ball go made me emotional. We were winning, helping the team, and extending the lead. Reflecting on my achievements, it’s special for me.”
Such performances have been common in Soto’s first seven MLB seasons with the Washington Nationals, San Diego Padres, and Yankees. He’s established as an elite offensive talent, on his Hall of Fame path. However, his record-breaking free-agent signing with the Mets in December for $765 million over 15 years hasn’t resulted in immediate success, even as he continued to hit the ball hard.
In his first 56 games, Soto hit .224 with a .745 OPS, receiving booing from some impatient Citi Field attendees. Yet, Soto remained composed, maintaining his routine without major changes or frustration. Asked about any adjustments this season, Soto expressed, “I haven’t made any major difference. I trust my routine, doing my stuff, and try to do damage. It’s the same throughout, helping the team any way I can. It’s just baseball, sometimes you’re lucky, sometimes you’re not.”
Reviewing his postgame interviews reveals his consistent outlook, rare in the majors.
Mets manager Carlos Mendoza noted, “Watching him daily, he’s steady. The same person he was early in the year, when some thought the world was ending because he wasn’t hitting, is the same now. That consistency is impressive.”
Starting pitcher Clay Holmes, who played with Soto in the Bronx, added, “Every at-bat feels identical. He walks often, and when he swings, there’s usually a barrel hit. From Game 1, it felt the same. He knows what he can do and does it every time.”
While the baseball world anticipated his hits, Soto remained patient. After only two multi-home-run games in his first 76 outings, he had two such games in his last five.
“I just try to hit harder,” he joked. “Find gaps, holes. The cold weather is gone, now I can have fun.”
Soto’s June numbers are impressive: batting .333 with 10 home runs, 18 RBI, 22 runs, and 23 walks. No Met has had a month with 10 home runs, 20 runs, and 20 walks.
He learned he became the 15th Met with a month of 10 or more home runs, joining franchise greats like David Wright and Mike Piazza.
“It’s been great. I think it’s starting to happen,” Soto said. “My swing, everything is aligning.”
The initial ups and downs in Queens, representing 3% of his contract, signal the start of a new Mets era. Soto will continue his steady, composed approach.
“That’s why you pay to see a baseball game,” Mendoza stated. “To witness a show, like Soto at the plate. As a fan, I’d watch every game to see this. It’s rare.”
- SCCG Management. The Gambling Industry’s Global Connector. Access Here.
- Source: SCCGManagement.com