The New York Mets’ losing streak reached 12 games on April 21. Amid this slump, outfielder Juan Soto has been nowhere to be seen — both to fans and to his own teammates.
The losing skid coincided with Soto’s calf injury, which sent him to the injured list on April 6. He is being activated in advance of their April 22 game against the Minnesota Twins, which the Mets hope will provide a long overdue shot in the arm.
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Just don’t ask Soto how his teammates are feeling about the Mets’ current state of affairs. Hours before his on-field return, Soto candidly admitted to reporters in New York that he hasn’t spoken to any of them during the losing streak.
“They’ve been on the road most of the time, so I haven’t talked to them,” he said.
Soto isn’t wrong. The Mets’ current homestand came on the heels of a week-long road trip through Los Angeles and Chicago. They played six games at home, against the Diamondbacks and A’s, after he was placed on IL.
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Perhaps there isn’t much to read into the fact that Soto hasn’t exchanged text messages with any teammates while they were out of town.
Still, considering Soto signed a 15-year contract in December 2024 that could top $800 million — the largest deal in MLB history — it isn’t unreasonable to expect the face of the franchise to be more than minimally interested in the Mets’ well-being while he’s rehabbing an injury.
Soto, 27, isn’t the Mets’ only significant injury loss in April. They have also lost Jorge Polanco (wrist contusion) and Jared Young (torn knee meniscus) to the injured list since Soto went down.
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Beyond the practical boost to the lineup, Soto’s return could represent a morale booster for fans who have been reaching for reasons beyond the field for the team’s struggles.
Soto has always been content to let his play on the field do the talking. Clearly he hasn’t been trying to boost his teammates’ morale behind the scenes.