Juan Soto might not be off to a blazing begin in his first season with the Mets, however the 26-year-old celebrity continues to etch his identify into the historical past books.
On Saturday afternoon in Denver, Soto performed in his 1,000th profession MLB recreation and joined a membership so unique, solely two different names are on the record: Ted Williams and Frank Thomas. With 200 residence runs and 800 walks below his belt by the milestone recreation, Soto turned simply the third participant in league historical past to succeed in each marks by his 1,000th look.
Regardless of experiencing career-low marks this yr in each OPS+ (130) and on-base share (.367), Soto stays some of the productive hitters within the recreation. His profession OPS+ of 159 is tied with Shohei Ohtani for third amongst all lively gamers, and his .417 OBP leads the league amongst lively hitters.
Soto’s adjustment interval in Queens comes after a standout 2024 marketing campaign within the Bronx, the place he helped the Yankees win an American League pennant earlier than signing a historic 15-year, $765 million cope with the Mets. Expectations had been sky-high getting into the season, and whereas his numbers are down by his requirements, he’s nonetheless properly above league common and flashing the identical elite plate self-discipline that’s outlined his profession.
His milestone got here because the Mets accomplished a sweep of the Colorado Rockies in a three-game collection at Coors Subject, signaling some much-needed momentum. Soto, already a four-time All-Star and five-time Silver Slugger, provides yet one more accolade to a resume that already features a batting title and a World Sequence ring.
The gradual begin could have raised eyebrows, however historical past and now, extra milestones, counsel Juan Soto is constructed for the long term.
