As has been the case frequently this season, Juan Soto played a secondary role in the New York Mets’ 4-3 win over the Philadelphia Phillies on Wednesday. The 2019 World Series MVP went 1-for-4 with a walk but didn’t tally a run or an RBI. Despite signing a record-setting 15-year, $765 million contract with the Mets this past offseason, Soto is currently batting .233 with a .364 on-base percentage and a .389 slugging percentage, along with three home runs and 12 RBIs.
The 26-year-old outfielder had reached the World Series earlier this year with the New York Yankees but declined their 16-year, $750 million offer before ultimately choosing the Mets. Following Wednesday’s game, Soto spoke to SNY about his offensive challenges.
“I’m doing everything I can to contribute at the plate, but when that doesn’t happen, I focus on helping in other ways,” Soto said. “Defense, baserunning—today, I was able to make a difference defensively.”
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Last season, Soto posted a strong .288/.419/.569 slash line with a career-best 41 homers and 109 RBIs. However, he’s hitting just .219 in April and has recorded multiple hits in only four of the Mets’ 26 games. He has yet to notch a three-hit performance in a Mets uniform.
Even so, the Mets are thriving, boasting MLB’s best record at 18-7 and holding a five-game lead over the Phillies (13-12) in the NL East. Up next, New York heads to Washington for a four-game set with the Nationals before returning home to face the Diamondbacks. Afterward, they’ll hit the road again to play the Cardinals in St. Louis.
