On July 6, 2025, the rivalry between the New York Mets and Yankees intensified as the Yankees edged out a 6-4 victory. Juan Soto, the Mets’ star outfielder, struggled at the plate, going hitless in four at-bats with two strikeouts. A pivotal moment came in the seventh inning when Cody Bellinger’s diving catch turned Soto’s liner into a double play, highlighting a challenging day for the young slugger. Following the game, Soto’s candid response to a question about his absence from the All-Star roster sparked widespread debate.
When asked if he would have liked to have been named an All-Star, Soto replied bluntly,
“I think it’s a lot of money on the table if I make it.”
This remark, referring to the $100,000 bonus that comes with an All-Star selection, instantly went viral after being shared by SNY’s social media channels. The offhand honesty put Soto under the spotlight amid discussions about the fairness and financial aspects of All-Star honors.
The End of a Four-Year Streak and a Tough Snub
Juan Soto’s exclusion from the 2025 All-Star team marked the end of his four-year streak as an All-Star selection. This year’s National League outfield starters included Ronald Acuña Jr., Pete Crow-Armstrong, and Kyle Tucker, leaving Soto off the list despite his solid season stats. Soto was named the NL Player of the Month for June after impressing with a .322 batting average, .474 on-base percentage, and 11 home runs that month. However, his overall season slash line stands at .263/.396/.508, with 21 home runs and a WAR (wins above replacement) of 3.7, which outpaces many players who made the team.
Some analysts attribute Soto’s snub to the MLB rule requiring every team to have at least one representative, benefiting players like Miami’s Kyle Stowers, whose WAR is 1.7. This situational policy excluded Soto despite his statistical merit, fueling debates about the All-Star selection process and meritocracy.
Fan Reactions Spark Debate Over Soto’s Contract and Attitude
Soto’s mention of the All-Star bonus triggered a wave of social media responses focusing on his massive contract. Several fans questioned whether $765 million, the value of Soto’s 15-year Mets contract, was enough motivation. His deal guarantees $51 million annually with no deferred payments, making the $100,000 All-Star bonus appear minimal in comparison. These comments amplified a narrative portraying Soto as financially motivated, adding intensity to the ongoing fan discourse.
Mets fans must love this money hungry greed. Atleast keep it to yourself lol,
—Fan on social media
Despite criticism, some supporters point out that Soto’s honesty breaks away from typical carefully guarded athlete responses, creating a sense of transparency rarely seen in professional sports. During his Mets home debut, fans packed Citi Field, averaging 36,705 attendees per game by April 2025, with the crowd giving Soto a standing ovation. Yet, vocal detractors interpreted his comments as evidence of detachment from the team, questioning his loyalty.
Well, at least now we know for certain he couldn’t care less about what team he plays for,
—Social media user
Soto’s mixed performances have also fueled fan skepticism. After a difficult May with a batting average below .230, his defensive struggles — rated at -10 Outs Above Average — have drawn criticism, marking him among the least effective defensive outfielders in the league. His recent 0-for-4 showing against the Yankees added fuel to the fire. Despite these challenges, his June performance earned him NL Player of the Month honors, demonstrating his potential resilience.
Too bad he sucks and is a waste of uncle steves money boo hoo,
—Netizen comment
Soto’s Directness Divides Public Opinion
While some fans condemned Soto’s remarks as greed-driven, others appreciated his straightforwardness. In a sports media climate dominated by scripted PR statements, Soto’s candid attitude provided a refreshing break from convention.
Love the blunt answer lol, he doesn’t give AF. Also, stupid question. Who wouldn’t wanna be an all-star lol,
—Supportive fan
Known as the ‘Childish Bambino,’ Soto has a reputation for candid replies. For example, when discussing his decision to join the Mets, he explicitly mentioned their potential to form a championship-winning dynasty rather than giving a generic answer. Many believe that Soto’s comments about the All-Star bonus are not about greed but rather a blunt reflection of the realities of professional sports compensation.
Understanding the Broader Impact of the All-Star Snub
Juan Soto’s All-Star omission and his subsequent comments shed light on the tensions between fan expectations, player performance, and the financial dynamics in baseball. While his snub raised questions about the fairness of the All-Star selection system, it also highlighted the pressure on highly paid athletes to meet both performance and public relations expectations.
The Mets, who have benefited immensely from Soto’s arrival, boasting increased attendance and enthusiasm at Citi Field, now face the challenge of bridging the gap between fan passion and player mindset. Soto’s continued efforts to improve defensively and maintain offensive production will be crucial in overcoming this narrative and restoring full fan support.
Looking ahead, Soto’s response to adversity and his candid communication style may redefine the interaction between players and fans, potentially encouraging more honesty in sports discourse. Meanwhile, the All-Star snub underscores ongoing debates about player recognition and salary structures in Major League Baseball.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Juan Soto a free-agent in 2025?
A. “I need to improve,” he told Jon Heyman from the New York Post. At 26, he’s playing his first season with the Mets. He joined them on a 15-year contract for $765 million as a free agent in December 2024, marking the biggest deal ever in MLB history.
Q. What is Juan Soto’s bat speed?
A. Ramos and Soto reduced their bat speed from over 75 mph to over 73 mph. Even with this decrease, their speed remains among the top 75. Soto still has excellent bat speed, significantly higher than the league’s average of 71.6 mph.