The New York Mets entered the 2025 Major League Baseball season with enormous expectations. The centerpiece of those hopes was the acquisition of one of the sport’s most dynamic players: Juan Soto. The organization committed to Soto by signing him to a monumental, history-making contract—15 years valued at $765 million—during the previous offseason.
That deal shattered financial records and distinguished Soto as not only the face of the franchise but also one of the highest-paid athletes in North American sports history. The expectation was that Soto would transform the Mets’ offense and help guide the team back into postseason contention.
Although the Mets ultimately fell short of reaching the playoffs, the organization’s struggles were not the fault of Soto. From Opening Day through the final weekend of the season, the 27-year-old left-handed slugger delivered exactly what the Mets had envisioned when they invested so heavily in him. He was consistently productive, durable, and poised, meeting—and in some aspects surpassing—the immense expectations placed upon him.
Read More: Mets officially cut ties with 8 players this offseason
Across 160 games, Soto showcased the full spectrum of his talents. He finished the season with a batting average of .263, paired with an impressive .396 on-base percentage. Those numbers emphasized his ability to reach base at an elite rate, a trait that has defined his career since debuting in the big leagues at a young age. His .921 OPS further underscored his overall offensive impact, combining his high on-base skills with his power and extra-base hitting ability.
Soto launched 43 home runs over the course of the season, demonstrating his trademark left-handed power that Mets officials and fans were eager to see take advantage of the dimensions at Citi Field. Along with his homer total, Soto drove in 105 runs, becoming the consistent middle-of-the-order presence that New York’s lineup desperately needed. Whenever the Mets struggled offensively, Soto was the stabilizer—the hitter opponents least wanted to face in high-pressure moments.
While his power was expected, one of the most surprising developments of Soto’s season was his sudden emergence as a dangerous base stealer. In past seasons, Soto was known primarily for his patience, discipline, and power, not speed. Prior to 2025, he had never recorded more than 12 stolen bases in a single year.
MLB News: Dodgers, Giants in 2-team battle for $400 million Chicago Cubs’ superstar
Yet this season, he swiped 38 bags—leading the entire National League. That dramatic leap revealed a new element of his offensive game, showing that Soto was not content to rely solely on his bat. He added aggression and opportunistic instincts on the basepaths, turning walks and singles into scoring opportunities more frequently than ever. His transformation into a complete offensive threat gave Mets fans another reason to believe that Soto’s prime years could exceed what anyone previously imagined.
In addition to his power and newfound speed, Soto also reminded everyone that his hallmark skill—plate discipline—remains unmatched in the sport. Soto led all of Major League Baseball in walks with 127, marking the fourth time in his career he accomplished that feat. His ability to command the strike zone, spoil tough pitches, and frustrate opposing pitchers has always set him apart, and that trend only continued during his first season in Queens. Pitchers were forced to attack him carefully, but Soto still managed to get on base nearly 40% of the time.
Soto’s outstanding season earned him one of baseball’s highest individual honors: recognition as a finalist for the National League Most Valuable Player Award. The Baseball Writers’ Association of America (BBWAA) announced the finalists, and Soto was selected alongside Kyle Schwarber of the Philadelphia Phillies and Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers. Being placed among that final group reinforced that Soto’s season was respected and noticed leaguewide. For a newcomer in New York, competing under the weight of major expectations and a massive contract, to instantly produce an MVP-caliber performance spoke volumes about both his mental and physical preparation.
MLB News: Reds to cut ties with Zack Littell, Nick Martinez and 3 others this offseason
The Mets organization celebrated his finalist status publicly. On X (formerly known as Twitter), the franchise shared a graphic and message reading: “Juan Soto: National League MVP Finalist 👏.” The post symbolized not only acknowledgement of Soto’s individual excellence but also pride in their franchise cornerstone. Should Soto ultimately win the award, it would be the first MVP trophy of his career—an achievement that would add yet another accolade to his already impressive résumé.
Even though the Mets’ season ended earlier than they hoped, Soto’s year offered the team and its fan base something to rally around. Instead of being discouraged by the team’s failure to reach October, Soto’s presence allowed New York to envision a brighter future. His performance gave the Mets a clear identity and direction: build the next great Mets contender around Soto, allowing him to be the anchor and leader both on the field and in the clubhouse.
His accomplishments during the season only reinforced that he remains one of baseball’s most complete players. He has already accumulated several significant awards and honors in his career: four All-Star selections and five Silver Slugger Awards. His consistency has been remarkable. In six of his first eight MLB seasons, Soto has finished within the top ten in MVP voting—an incredibly rare trait for a player still in his twenties. That sustained excellence reflects not only talent but baseball intelligence, preparation, and a deep competitive drive.
Soto’s playoff pedigree is also already established. While with the Washington Nationals, he helped guide the franchise to a World Series championship in 2019—an achievement that cemented his status as a player capable of excelling under postseason pressure. His memories of that championship run continue to fuel him, and he now aims to bring that same winning culture to New York. The Mets have not won a World Series since 1986, a drought nearly four decades long. Soto understands the magnitude of what a championship would mean to the franchise and its fans, and he has spoken openly about his desire to bring the Mets back to the baseball summit.
Another element that defined his first season with the Mets was his durability. In an era where players frequently battle injuries, Soto missed only two games the entire season. That level of consistency gave the Mets stability in the lineup every single day. Whether the team was on a winning streak or sliding into a rough patch, Soto’s presence served as a constant. He showed that he could carry massive expectations without letting the pressure break him.
As the Mets shift their attention to the 2026 season, Soto remains the clear centerpiece of their plans. The front office will look to improve the roster surrounding him—adding pitching depth, more consistent hitting, and possibly defensive upgrades. But no matter what other changes occur, Soto will remain the focal point and emotional engine of the team. The franchise believes that with Soto in the heart of the lineup, they can eventually return to October and compete for championships.
Looking back, Soto’s first year in New York delivered everything the Mets hoped it would: elite performance, record-setting production, improved athleticism, durability, and a reason for fans to believe that a new era of Mets baseball is beginning. Even without a postseason appearance, his debut season was an absolute triumph on a personal level.
Juan Soto has not only met expectations—he has reshaped what is possible for the Mets’ future.
Be the first to comment