Juan Soto made history on Sunday night by hitting his 25th home run of the season with the New York Mets, marking an extraordinary milestone in Major League Baseball. At just 26 years old, Soto has become the first player ever to record a 25-home-run season for four different MLB teams before turning 29, having achieved this with the Washington Nationals, San Diego Padres, New York Yankees, and now the Mets.
Consistent Power Hitter with Longstanding Career Success
Soto’s powerful display came during the Mets’ 5-3 victory over the San Francisco Giants, boosting their season record to 62-44. Since his MLB debut in 2018 at age 19, Soto has built a remarkable career marked by consistent hitting and impressive statistics. He currently holds a lifetime batting average of .281, with 225 home runs and 653 runs batted in. His accolades include five Silver Slugger awards, four All-Star selections, a National League batting title, and a World Series championship earned in 2019.
In 2024, Soto hit a career-high 41 home runs while playing for the Yankees. That performance played a major role in securing a $765 million contract with the Mets during the offseason, underscoring his value as one of baseball’s premier hitters.
Plate Discipline Sets Soto Apart in the MLB
Soto leads all of Major League Baseball in walks this season, drawing 83 free passes and nearly matching his 86 strikeouts. This plate discipline contributes significantly to his offensive impact, allowing him to maintain a productive on-base percentage and providing his team with critical scoring opportunities.
Mets Face Padres in Upcoming Series with Key Pitchers Starting
The Mets will continue their West Coast schedule by opening a series against the San Diego Padres on Monday night at Petco Park. The Padres, holding a 57-49 record, remain strong contenders for a postseason spot. First pitch is scheduled for 9:40 p.m. ET, featuring veteran Mets right-hander Frankie Montas versus Padres starter Dylan Cease.
Montas enters the game with a 3-1 record and a 4.62 ERA, while Cease’s stats include a 3-10 record and a 4.59 ERA this season. The pitching matchup will be crucial in the series, as both teams jockey for playoff positioning.
Baseball’s Rising Stars and Historic Moments Continue to Capture Attention
Alongside Soto’s historical achievement, Paul Skenes of the Pittsburgh Pirates is making a name for himself with his rare and impressive performances this season, further rewriting baseball history. Meanwhile, Shohei Ohtani continues to redefine what is possible in the sport, maintaining his status as a unique two-way player despite recent team struggles.
Juan Soto’s home run on Sunday night also places him alongside notable stars such as Aaron Judge, highlighting his position among the elite hitters in baseball today.
“Juan Soto hit his 25th home run for the @Mets tonight, his fourth different MLB team with a 25+ HR season (Nationals, Padres, Yankees, Mets).He is the first player in MLB history to have a 25-HR season with four different franchises before turning 29 years old.” —OptaSTATS
Looking Ahead: Soto’s Emerging Legacy and Mets’ Playoff Pursuit
Juan Soto’s historic achievement underscores his extraordinary career trajectory and hints at even greater accomplishments ahead. Having already made a profound impact before his 27th birthday, he is positioned to continue influencing the game at a high level for many years. For the Mets, Soto’s power and consistency are central to their hopes of advancing deep into the playoffs, especially as they face strong challengers like the Padres.
The next weeks of the MLB season will be telling for both Soto’s individual milestones and the Mets’ team ambitions, as they seek to capitalize on this momentum and secure a strong postseason run.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why did Juan Soto get so much?
A. Soto’s expensive contract shows his top-level skill and the bidding war during his free agency that raised his cost.
Q. What is Juan Soto’s bat speed?
A. Ramos and Soto’s bat speeds dropped from over 75 mph to over 73 mph. They still rank high, well above the league’s 71.6 mph average.
Q. How many years will Juan Soto get?
A. On Sunday, the Mets decided to sign Juan Soto to a 15-year deal for $765 million. This is the biggest contract in Major League Baseball history. The agreement was completed on Wednesday after Juan Soto passed a physical exam.