The New York Mets faced a narrow 5-4 defeat against the Washington Nationals on Wednesday, leaving their record at 67-59 as they maintain the third and final wild card spot in the National League. Despite the setback, Juan Soto has continued to make history by moving into second place for the most walks in a single season in Mets franchise history, highlighting his exceptional discipline at the plate.
Soto’s performance demonstrates why he is a crucial player for the Mets, who are aiming to surpass their previous run to the National League Championship Series as they pursue a World Series title this year. Soto’s consistent ability to reach base is reflected in his .385 on-base percentage while currently batting .249 with 31 home runs, 72 RBIs, and 20 stolen bases, all contributing to an impressive .882 OPS.
Juan Soto’s Rise Among Mets’ All-Time Walk Leaders
Soto’s patient approach at the plate has propelled him to 98 walks this season, placing him just behind Mets legend John Olerud, who holds the franchise record with 125 walks in 1999. This achievement underscores Soto’s role as one of the most disciplined hitters in the league and highlights the importance of his on-base skills in the Mets’ lineup. Mets fan and MLB analyst Sarah Langs captured the significance of this feat, listing the team’s top single-season walk leaders:
“Most walks in a season, Mets history: 1999 John Olerud: 125 2025 Juan Soto: 98 1998 John Olerud: 97 1987 Darryl Strawberry: 97 1984 Keith Hernandez: 97” — Sarah Langs, MLB Analyst
For Soto, who signed a 15-year contract worth $765 million in the offseason, this milestone is an indicator of his value to the Mets as they push deeper into the playoff race during the season’s second half.
John Olerud: A Franchise Icon in Discipline and Success
John Olerud’s career spanned 17 years across several major league teams, including the Mets, Toronto Blue Jays, Seattle Mariners, Boston Red Sox, and New York Yankees. Olerud was renowned for his hitting prowess, finishing with a .295 career batting average, 255 home runs, and 1,230 RBIs. He earned two All-Star selections, three Gold Glove Awards for his defensive skill, and two World Series championships, along with a batting title.
Olerud played a pivotal role in helping the Mets reach the National League Championship Series in 1999, and he later aided the Mariners in their runs to the American League Championship Series in 2000 and 2001. His record for walks in a season set a high standard for disciplined hitting within the Mets organization.
The Legacies of Darryl Strawberry and Keith Hernandez
Darryl Strawberry, who ranks among the Mets’ all-time leaders in walks, spent eight of his 17 major league seasons with New York. Strawberry was instrumental in the Mets’ 1986 World Series victory and was a seven-time All-Star during his time in New York. Notably, he led the National League in home runs in 1988 with 39. The Mets recently honored Strawberry by retiring his number, even as Pete Alonso surpassed him for the franchise’s home run record.
Keith Hernandez, another Mets great on the walks leaderboard with 97 walks in 1984, remains a prominent figure as the team’s broadcaster. During his 17-year career with the St. Louis Cardinals, Mets, and Cleveland Indians, Hernandez was known for his excellent defensive skills, winning 11 Gold Glove Awards, along with five All-Star selections. His career also included an MVP award, two World Series titles, and a batting championship, cementing his status as one of the franchise’s all-time greats both on and off the field.
Mets’ Upcoming Game and Broader MLB Highlights
The Mets are set to face the Washington Nationals again on Thursday at 4:05 p.m. ET, providing another opportunity for Juan Soto to add to his impressive season totals and for the team to solidify their position in the playoff hunt. Maintaining their wild card spot is crucial as they strive to improve from last season’s deep postseason appearance.
Elsewhere in MLB, the season has been highlighted by standout performances such as Shohei Ohtani’s historic achievements, Brandon Young’s near-perfect game that placed him among an elite group of rookies, and Jose Ramirez continuing his remarkable streak with 25 home runs and 30 stolen bases.
Juan Soto’s climb toward the Mets’ all-time walks record is not only a testament to his exceptional hitting approach but also a beacon of promise for the Mets’ 2025 playoff campaign. As he chases John Olerud’s longstanding record, Soto’s performance will likely inspire the team’s efforts in the critical weeks ahead.