The New York Mets offensive production has been inconsistent to open the 2026 MLB season. Yet one player who has stood out is their highest-paid superstar, outfielder Juan Soto. The 27‑year‑old remains under contract through the 2039 season on his 15-year $765 million deal.
His time in New York has gone as expected, fully living up to the high expectations. In 2025, Soto posted a .263 batting average, .396 on base percentage, .921 OPS, 43 home runs and 105 RBIs across 160 games.
He finished third in National League MVP voting and earned his sixth career Silver Slugger Award. Unfortunately for Soto, his individual success did not translate to the Mets reaching the MLB playoffs.
© Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Soto is doing everything he can this year to keep producing now that the 26-man roster has been revamped around him.
He is off to a strong start through his first five games with 10 hits in 30 at-bats, including one home run and five RBIs. Unfortunately, his momentum came to a halt on Friday during a road matchup against the San Francisco Giants.
Soto singled in his first at-bat but was thrown out at home moments later on a double play with the bases loaded. However, Soto may have suffered an injury before that sequence. He appeared to be in clear discomfort after reaching first base and remained visibly bothered while on the basepaths.
When the Mets took the field for the bottom half, Soto was not on the field. His night was over, with Tyrone Taylor taking over in left field.
Moments later, the Mets announced an update on his status and why he departed from the game early. “Juan Soto was removed from tonight’s game with right calf tightness,” the team wrote.
Juan Soto was removed from tonight's game with right calf tightness.
— New York Mets (@Mets) April 4, 2026
The severity of Soto’s injury is unclear, but he remains the most important player on the roster, and if he is forced to miss extended time, replacing his production would be impossible. He is a four-time All Star and one of the most feared hitters in the league thanks to his elite plate discipline.
With the Mets already searching for consistency, losing Soto for any stretch would immediately shift the trajectory of their early season. His health will now be the organization’s top priority until he is cleared to return. Soto’s next chance to return to action will be on Saturday in another matchup against the Giants.
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This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Apr 4, 2026, where it first appeared in the MLB section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
