New York Mets slugger Juan Soto is noticeably disappointed after not being named to the 2025 MLB All-Star roster, which also means missing out on a $100,000 bonus tied to the selection. His frustration is understandable, given the lucrative incentives included in his record-breaking $765 million, 15-year contract with the Mets signed this past offseason.
When asked about the snub, Soto responded with a smile, acknowledging the financial implications, saying,
“What do you think? I think it’s a lot of money on the table if I make it.”
—Juan Soto, Mets Outfielder
Soto’s All-Star Absence Breaks Four-Year Streak and Influences Contract Earnings
This is the first time Soto has been excluded from the All-Star Game since 2020. After earning consecutive appearances from 2021 through 2024 across three teams—the Washington Nationals, San Diego Padres, and New York Yankees—his streak ended abruptly this year. The All-Star omission impacts more than just prestige; it affects his contract incentives significantly.
According to Associated Press reporter Ronald Blum, Soto’s massive contract includes performance-based bonuses such as $100,000 for each All-Star appearance, in addition to $100,000 bonuses for honors like making an All-MLB team or winning a Gold Glove or Hank Aaron Award, and $150,000 for a Silver Slugger award. The most substantial bonus comes from winning the MVP award, which could add $1.5 million to his earnings this season.
Despite missing the All-Star bonus, Soto remains the highest-paid player in MLB this year, having received a $75 million signing bonus as part of his contract’s front-loading, which translates into over $121 million in guaranteed cash for the season, as noted by Spotrac.
Current Season Performance Shows Recent Improvement Despite Early Offensive Decline
Through 91 games so far this season, Soto’s overall batting line sits at .269/.399/.509. Although he leads MLB in walks with 72, this represents a relative slowdown compared to the offensive output he had with the Yankees in his only season there. However, there has been a notable turnaround beginning in June.
Since June 1, Soto has posted an impressive slash line of .336/.473/.681 over 34 games, including 12 home runs and 25 RBIs, signaling an uptick in performance as the season progresses.
When questioned if this recent performance was enough to justify an All-Star selection, Soto told New York Post’s Jon Heyman,
“It looks like I didn’t. I’ve just got to be better.”
—Juan Soto, Mets Outfielder
He further reflected,
“Everyone wants to be an All-Star and live the experience of being there, but this year it didn’t happen. I was glad I was able to be there four years in a row. If I didn’t make it this year, it’s no big deal. I’ll come back stronger next year.”
—Juan Soto, Mets Outfielder
Mets Rely on Key Players as Team Battles for NL East Lead During Critical Stretch
The Mets are currently locked in a tight race with the Philadelphia Phillies for the top position in the NL East division. As the season approaches the trade deadline, a strong July from Soto could prove vital in securing the lead. The team’s management and fans are likely hopeful that this All-Star disappointment will serve as motivation for boosted production during the crucial playoff push.
Looking ahead to the All-Star Game next Tuesday, Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor will represent the team as a starter, with Edwin Díaz and Pete Alonso named as reserves. Both Lindor and Díaz earned a $50,000 bonus for their selections, according to Spotrac, underscoring the tangible benefits tied to All-Star recognition.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Juan Soto a free-agent in 2025?
A. “I’m aware I need to improve,” he mentioned according to Jon Heyman from the New York Post. The 26-year-old player is experiencing his first year with the Mets. He joined the team after agreeing to a 15-year, $765 million contract as a free agent in December 2024. This is the biggest contract ever in Major League Baseball.
Q. What is Juan Soto’s bat speed?
A. Ramos and Soto both decreased their bat speed from over 75 mph (among the top 25 speeds) to over 73 mph. Even with this reduction, their speeds remain within the top 75, significantly above the league average of 71.6 mph. Despite this drop, Soto still maintains exceptional bat speed.