Juan Soto is quietly putting together an MVP caliber season.
The New York Mets outfielder added to his impressive showing on Tuesday as he went 2-for-4 with a home run, a walk and a stolen base, scoring a pair of runs in the Mets’ 12-5 victory over the Detroit Tigers. Soto has a .259/.399/.524 batting line in his 610 plate appearances, hitting 37 homers while driving in 91 runs and stealing 27 bases.
Soto’s recent torrid stretch has led to what may be one of the greatest all-around seasons in MLB history. He has a chance to end the year with 40-plus homers, 30-plus stolen bases and 100-plus walks, RBI and runs scored. Only two players in MLB history have reached all five thresholds in the same season — San Francisco Giants legend Barry Bonds (1996 and 1997) and Houston Astros Hall of Famer Jeff Bagwell (1997 and 1999).
Soto did not make a great first impression with the Mets. There were questions as to whether or not he even wanted to head to Queens and regretted leaving the Yankees behind. However, even with what was considered a slow start, Soto was still one of the best players in the majors.
That slow start is far behind him. Soto has been one of the Mets best hitters since the beginning of August, posting a .296/.454/.648 batting line over his 141 plate appearances, belting 12 homers and swiping 12 bases. Soto has easily eclipsed his career high in steals and has been as much of a catalyst in the lineup as he has been a run producer.
If he can remain hot over the final few weeks, Soto could slug his way to one of the best all-around seasons in MLB history.
