Juan Soto continues to shine with the New York Mets, showing signs of emerging from a midseason slump that saw his batting average dip to .224. In a recent game against the Washington Nationals at Citi Field, Soto made a notable impact, hitting a home run that brought the Mets within one run. He displayed his competitive spirit by engaging with Nationals pitcher MacKenzie Gore as he rounded the bases, a playful exchange stemming from their history as part of a significant trade in 2022.
Soto’s performance has been impressive, with eight hits over his last four games, including four home runs in the past ten games, bringing his season total to 12. The former Washington Nationals standout demonstrated his all-around skills by hitting a crucial RBI double and making a pivotal defensive play, throwing out a runner at home plate. Soto’s persistence is reflected in his ability to reach base safely in 12 consecutive games, with a robust batting average of .341 during this stretch, paired with eight RBIs and an impressive 1.225 OPS.
His competitiveness and ability to respond under pressure were on full display when he struck out looking on Gore’s first pitch but came back strong, hitting a 2-2 slider for a solo homer that marked an important moment in the game, reducing the Nationals’ lead to 3-2. Soto, a four-time All-Star and integral part of the Nationals’ 2019 World Series championship team, continues to solidify his role within the Mets as he navigates this exciting first season with them under a historic contract worth $765 million over 15 years.
The exchange between Soto and Gore showcases the camaraderie and competitive nature among players with shared histories, adding an engaging layer to the rivalry between the Mets and Nationals. As Soto finds his rhythm, Mets fans can look forward to more electrifying moments. His recent uptick in performance embodies the hope that he will continue to deliver key contributions to the team this season.