It seems like New York Mets outfielder Juan Soto makes baseball history every day. He did it again Saturday in the Mets’ 3-2 loss to the Texas Rangers.
Soto smacked his 40th home run of the season, becoming the first player this century — and the third ever — to hit 40 home runs, steal 30 bases, draw 100 walks, score 100 runs, and drive in 95 runs in a season. He joined legendary outfielder Barry Bonds (1996 and 1997) and Hall of Fame first baseman Jeff Bagwell (1997 and 1999).
The 26-year-old got off to a slow start this year and wasn’t selected to July’s All-Star Game in Atlanta. But in the last two months, he’s shown why the Mets felt comfortable giving him the largest contract in history. He hit .277 with a 1.009 OPS in August, and so far in September, he’s hit .362 with a 1.202 OPS. When he stole third on Sept. 9, he became the first player to join the 30-30 club in 2025. He’s thrust himself squarely into the middle of the MVP conversation.
It was the seventh time a Met has hit 40 home runs in a season. His 118 walks are the second-most by a Met in one year, behind John Olerud’s 125 in 1999. Soto has hit 40 homers in consecutive seasons; he hit a career-high 41 last year with the New York Yankees.
Stealing his way to history
The stolen base element has been a surprising addition to Soto’s game. One of the slowest runners in MLB, Soto’s previous career high for steals in a season was 12. But thanks to the help of Mets first base coach Antoan Richardson, Soto’s stolen 32.
“I feel 100 percent convinced he will get to 40 stolen bases this year,” Richardson said to the New York Times.
Soto would need to steal eight bases across the Mets’ last 13 games in order to reach 40 steals. If he does, he would become the seventh player to hit 40 home runs and steal 40 bases in one year.
However, even as Soto makes baseball history, the Mets have spiraled. New York had the best record in baseball at 45-24, but has since struggled mightily. Saturday’s loss was the Mets’ eighth in a row. They had a 2-0 lead in the 8th, but relievers Tyler Rogers and Edwin Diaz surrendered three runs to lose. The Mets suddenly find themselves on the verge of not making the playoffs.
Soto and the Mets look to get back to their winning ways on Sunday against the Rangers. First pitch is set for 1:40 p.m.
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