Juan Soto’s remarkable play in June 2024, highlighted by earning MLB’s National League Player of the Month, offers much-needed optimism for the New York Mets as the team seeks to rebound in the standings. The Mets hope that continued strong performances, such as Soto’s, will help propel them toward the top of the National League East as the season progresses, making the Juan Soto Mets performance June 2024 a central storyline for fans.
Soto Shines Amid Mets’ Struggles in June
Entering July 2024, the New York Mets found themselves in second place in the National League East. A series of disappointing games, paired with an impressive winning streak from the Philadelphia Phillies, saw the Mets slip in the division rankings. However, while the team managed just a handful of wins, Juan Soto’s extraordinary efforts stood out.
Soto, the left-handed slugger, posted a batting average of .322 with a 1.196 OPS and 20 RBIs during June. He led Mets hitters with 11 home runs for the month, a feat matched in the American League by Cal Raleigh of the Seattle Mariners. The honors were officially announced on Thursday, confirming both players as standout performers in June.
Despite Soto’s hot streak at the plate, the Mets finished the month with a disappointing series against the Pittsburgh Pirates, managing only four runs while being swept. This ending underscored the team’s ongoing struggle to generate consistent offense, even as Soto continued to thrive individually.
Juan Soto’s Career and Impact in Queens
Soto’s debut in Major League Baseball came in 2018 with the Washington Nationals, where he quickly rose to prominence by helping lead the team to a World Series championship. In August 2022, he was traded to the San Diego Padres, where he played nearly two seasons before joining the New York Yankees in December 2023. Soto contributed to the Yankees’ World Series run, although the title ultimately eluded them following a loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the finals.
Now playing for the Mets in 2024, Soto is in his first year of a significant contract extending through 2039, with the option for player opt-out after the 2030 season. This year and the next, Soto will earn $61.875 million, reflecting his value as one of baseball’s most formidable hitters. His presence brings both immediate hope and a long-term foundation for the Mets as they work to recapture winning form.
What Soto’s June Means for the Mets’ Season
The announcement of Soto as National League Player of the Month comes at a critical juncture for the Mets, who are seeking momentum in the second half of the season. Soto’s continued excellence at the plate could inspire the rest of the roster, encouraging better results as the club battles to close the gap in the National League East. As the Mets respond to challenges and strive for a turnaround, all eyes will remain on Soto’s ongoing contributions, hoping his outstanding June signals a lasting impact in Queens.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why did Juan Soto get so much money?
A. Juan Soto’s expensive contract shows how skilled he is as a player and that he became a free agent. Because many teams wanted him, his contract became even more valuable.
Q. What is Juan Soto’s bat speed?
A. Ramos and Soto once had bat speeds over 75 mph, putting them among the top 25 players. Their bat speeds then dropped to over 73 mph, but this still keeps them in the top 75. The league average bat speed is 71.6 mph. Even with the decrease, Soto’s bat speed is still considered excellent.
Q. How much money did the Padres give Juan Soto?
A. This was the second big trade for 25-year-old Soto in under two years. Soto has been named an All-Star three times and will be with his new team for just one more year unless he signs a new contract.
He is expected to earn about $32 million after hitting .275 with 35 home runs, 109 RBIs, and a .930 OPS during his only complete season playing for the Padres.