Juan Soto’s exclusion from the National League All-Star game has drawn significant attention, especially after his impressive performance in June where he batted .322 with 11 home runs and 20 RBIs. This unexpected omission ended Soto’s consecutive All-Star selection streak, sparking a debate around his reaction to missing out.
Following the announcement, Soto expressed frustration about not receiving the $100,000 bonus that comes with All-Star inclusion, highlighting the financial aspect rather than the honor of the selection. This response quickly became a point of contention among commentators and fans alike.
Michael Kay Criticizes Soto’s Response as “Tone Deaf” on National Radio
During an episode of The Michael Kay Show on Thursday, sportscaster Michael Kay harshly criticized Soto’s comments regarding the All-Star bonus. Kay described Soto’s focus on the money as “tone deaf,” suggesting the superstar should have emphasized the prestige and competitive honor of being selected.
“Instead of saying, ‘Yeah, I want to be amongst the best, I’d like to in Atlanta, I’d like to there with Pete [Alonso], Edwin [Diaz] and [Francisco] Lindor,’ the perfect thing to say. Here is what Juan Soto said, ‘I think there’s a lot of money on the table if I make it.’ Oh, goodness gracious, talk about being tone deaf,” Kay said (Timestamp: 1:16).
“Come on, Juan. The last I looked, you’re making a smidge under $47 million this season, and you’re upset that you’re not making the All-Star game because of an All-Star bonus you had in your contract? You know how bad that looks?” —Michael Kay, Sportscaster
Details of Juan Soto’s Lucrative Contract and Bonus Structure
Soto’s 2024 salary amounts to $46.8 million, but his earnings this year include a $75 million signing bonus, reflecting the scale of his recent contract extension. Beyond the All-Star bonus, the deal includes multiple performance-related incentives that reward various baseball achievements, according to MLB insider Ronald Blum.
Soto stands to earn an additional $1.5 million if he wins his first National League MVP award, with $350,000 awarded for a second-place finish and $150,000 for placements between third and fifth. The contract also rewards each Hank Aaron award, Gold Glove, and All-MLB first or second team selection with $100,000 bonuses, while a Silver Slugger award brings an added $50,000 bonus.
In addition to financial perks, Soto benefits from exclusive privileges such as staying in luxury suites during Mets road games and the ability to request up to four premium tickets for family members at Citi Field home games, underscoring the comprehensive nature of his $765 million agreement.
Implications of Soto’s Comments and Future Expectations
The controversy over Juan Soto’s comments has highlighted the sensitivity surrounding athlete contracts and public perceptions of their reactions to awards and recognition. While Soto’s earnings are among the highest in baseball, his focus on the All-Star bonus struck some as misplaced given the broader significance of the honor.
Moving forward, this incident may influence how players discuss contract incentives and sportsmanship-related achievements in public. Fans and analysts will watch closely to see whether Soto adjusts his messaging or how he leverages this moment amid his ongoing career with the Mets and within Major League Baseball.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Juan Soto a free-agent in 2025?
A. “I need to improve,” he stated, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post. The 26-year-old is experiencing his debut season with the Mets. He joined the team by signing a 15-year deal valued at $765 million in free agency in December 2024, which marks the biggest contract in MLB history.
Q. What is Juan Soto’s bat speed?
A. Ramos and Soto’s bat speeds decreased from over 75 mph to over 73 mph. This keeps them in the top 75 bat speed rankings. Although Soto’s speed declined slightly, it remains exceptional when compared to the league average of 71.6 mph.