Juan Soto Powers Mets Amid 2026 Struggles, Keeps All-Star Hope
**Juan Soto** is batting .299 with 20 home runs and a .985 OPS for the New York Mets, the only player meeting preseason expectations as the club sits near the bottom of the NL West on July 5, 2026.
Soto’s line through 73 games reads 30 extra‑base hits, 49 RBIs and a league‑leading OPS+ of 173. Those numbers place him among the elite hitters this season, even as the Mets trail the Colorado Rockies for the last NL West spot. His consistency has kept the Mets in any game, but the rest of the roster has struggled to match his output.
The Mets entered 2026 with big‑ticket names-Bo Bichette, Freddy Peralta, Marcus Semien and Luis Robert Jr.-yet the team sits 8.5 games behind the Washington Nationals in the NL East. Manager Carlos Mendoza was dismissed weeks ago, and speculation about further front‑office changes swirled. Owner Steve Cohen affirmed GM David Stearns’ contract, but the on‑field product remains uneven, with the offense sputtering and the pitching staff unable to string together quality starts.
Soto will start in the NL outfield at the upcoming All‑Star Game, giving fans a rare bright moment in an otherwise bleak stretch. His presence on the roster underscores his personal success, but it also highlights the gap between his performance and the team’s collective results. The Mets hope his showcase can spark a late‑season rally.
New York begins a three‑game series against the Kansas City Royals on Wednesday at 7:10 p.m. EST, hoping to snap a recent loss that left them 12 games out of a playoff spot. Even if Soto continues his hot streak, the Mets need contributions from the rest of the lineup and more stability from the rotation to climb out of the cellar.
During the pre‑game show, Soto referenced a past feud between shortstop Francisco Lindor and outfielder Aaron Judge, likening it to “meeting a girl and not kissing right away.” He said the two have moved past the dispute, suggesting a calmer clubhouse atmosphere. Whether that translates to on‑field chemistry remains to be seen.
The Mets’ season may already be written, but Juan Soto’s numbers keep fans watching, and his All‑Star start offers a glimpse of the talent that could still reshape New York’s fortunes.