New York Mets outfielder Juan Soto wasn’t selected for the All-Star Game for the first time since the 2020 season, but he isn’t whining about that.
After Sunday’s 6-4 home loss to the New York Yankees, he indicated he’s optimistic he’ll make it back to the All-Star Game next year.
“For me, I try to play as hard as I can and help the team enjoy the moment,” Soto told the New York Post’s Dan Martin. “Everyone wants to be an All-Star and live the experience of being there, but this year it didn’t happen. I was glad I was able to be there four years in a row. If I didn’t make it this year, it’s no big deal. I’ll come back stronger next year.”
Soto, 26, had a horrendous start after signing a record-breaking 15-year, $765M deal with the Mets this offseason.
In April and May, Soto went 44-for-195 at the plate, posting a below-average .226 batting average. He rebounded in June, though, going 29-of-90 at the plate for a solid .322 batting average.
Through his first 90 games this season, he’s tied for 10th in baseball in home runs (21) and ranks 10th in OPS (.904). Those numbers are better than those of Miami Marlins outfielder Kyle Stowers, who has 16 homers and a .866 OPS through his first 84 games. Stowers, however, made the All-Star Game.
It seems the slow start convinced voters Soto still wasn’t deserving of a selection.
“It looks like I didn’t,” Soto said when asked if he did enough in June to make the game. “I’ve just got to be better.”
Soto could still help the Mets (52-39) make the playoffs for a second straight season, which would make up for the All-Star snub. If the postseason started Monday, New York would have the National League’s first wild-card spot.
