Juan Soto's 2026 season has been nothing short of remarkable, even amidst the Mets' struggles. While the team has endured a challenging year, Soto's performance has been a consistent bright spot, serving as a reminder of his immense talent and potential. As he continues to play at an MVP level, it's clear that Soto is not only a future Hall of Famer but also a cornerstone of the Mets' long-term success.
One of the most fascinating aspects of Soto's game is his command of the strike zone. His ability to work counts and drive the ball with power is truly exceptional. In the Mets' recent win against the Phillies, Soto showcased his mastery of the strike zone, working an eight-pitch at-bat in the seventh inning to force a full count and hit a 101.5 mph triple. This is a microcosm of his entire career, where he consistently demonstrates dominance over the strike zone and an ability to impact the game with extra-base hits.
What makes Soto's performance even more impressive is his versatility. While he has never been a great fielder, he is showing signs of improvement in left field. In 2026, he is currently in the top half of defenders in outs above average, a significant improvement over previous years. This development is particularly interesting, as it suggests that Soto may be finding a more comfortable position on the field.
Another intriguing aspect of Soto's game is his approach to two-strike counts. In late May, he experimented with a new bat, which had a prominently thicker knob, allowing for the weight to be more evenly distributed. This change has had a positive impact on his performance with two strikes, as he currently has a career-high 114 wRC+ in these counts, good for fourth in the league (minimum 90 plate appearances). This is a significant development, as it not only reduces his strikeouts but also enhances his productivity with two strikes.
One thing that immediately stands out is Soto's bat speed drop. For the first time since bat speed measurements began in 2023, Soto's bat speed will rank outside the top 30% of baseball. This is likely due to the bumps and bruises he has picked up this year, but it hasn't affected his offensive game in the slightest. In fact, he still displays elite barrel rates, hard-hit rates, and exit velocity, seemingly sacrificing a little bat speed in favor of less strikeouts and more hits, without losing any of his elite slugging capabilities.
Despite the Mets' struggles this year, Soto's performance has been a consistent source of hope. His ability to produce at MVP levels year after year, even in the face of challenges, is a testament to his talent and work ethic. Having a player of this caliber on the team keeps the long-term outlook positive, despite the bleakness of the current season. In my opinion, Soto's performance this year is a reminder of why he is considered one of the best players in baseball, and it's exciting to see what the future holds for him and the Mets.
