Juan Soto refuses to quit as Mets’ $380M payroll flounders in 40-57 skid

Juan Soto sent a clear message to the New York Mets’ clubhouse on Monday, urging teammates to stay positive amid a disastrous first half that has left the $380 million roster at 40-57.

The Mets entered the All-Star break mired in last place in the NL East, 12 games out of a Wild Card spot after a 15-3 blowout loss to the Philadelphia Phillies on June 20. Despite the team’s historic struggles, Soto remains defiant, telling reporters the clubhouse must find a way to push forward.

“It’s really tough going through times like this, but we have to find a way to stay positive, looking for ways to move forward and improve the team,” Soto said, per Hector Gomez on X.

Soto is the only Mets player who has delivered consistent results this season. The left fielder is slashing .290/.405/.562 with a .967 OPS in 78 games, ranking fourth in the majors in OPS, third in OBP, and fifth in slugging. He earned his fifth All-Star nod this year, though he opted to skip the game to rest after a flurry of injuries.

The Dominican star has missed time due to a calf strain, back tightness, and a foot contusion, including a two-week absence in April that coincided with a 12-game losing streak. Since returning, he’s been the Mets’ bright spot, launching two homers in a 6-4 win over the Phillies on June 19.

The Mets face a steep challenge in the second half. The Phillies lead the season series 4-2, and the two teams meet again after the All-Star break at Citizens Bank Park. Soto believes the break could help the clubhouse reset.

“I feel like everybody needs a couple days off after a rough stretch,” he told the *Daily News*. “To get the day off and kind of like start over, I think it’s gonna be good for the guys.”

With Soto under contract for 15 years and $765 million, the Mets can’t afford another missed postseason. They’re now 12 games back in the Wild Card race, and another October absence would mark the second straight year without Soto in the playoffs.