Juan Soto Dazzles with 426-Foot Homer in Mets Spring Training Debut

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — Juan Soto made an electrifying debut for the New York Mets on Saturday, belting a stunning 426-foot home run in his first spring training at-bat against the Houston Astros. The recent acquisition, who signed a record-breaking 15-year, $765 million contract this offseason, left fans at Clover Park buzzing with excitement.

Soto, hitting second in the lineup, faced Astros left-hander Colton Gordon in the bottom of the first inning. After working the count to 2-1, Soto launched a fastball deep into left-center field, signaling his arrival with a powerful shot. “I feel like everybody was really happy,” Soto said. “I would say the worst reaction was [teammate] Francisco Lindor, that I stepped on him. He was really in pain, but he was happy at the same time.”

This impressive opening act follows Soto’s previous success, as he also homered in his first spring training game last year with the Washington Nationals. Last year, he hit a three-run home run in a similar setting, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure.

During his debut game for the Mets, Soto didn’t stop at just the home run. He also contributed an RBI on a ground ball, further cementing his role as a key player in the Mets’ offense, which includes prominent hitters like Lindor and Pete Alonso. With Soto in the fold, the Mets aim to rebuild after missing the playoffs last season.

Soto’s career spring training statistics are noteworthy: a .304 batting average with 14 home runs and an OPS of 1.017 across 87 games. His early success in camp comes as the Mets are eager to rebound from last year’s disappointment.

The game was also significant for another newcomer, pitcher Clay Holmes, who has transitioned from reliever to starter for the Mets. Holmes threw three perfect innings, striking out three batters during the outing, which further bolstered the optimism surrounding the team.

With Soto’s addition and strong performance, Mets fans are hopeful that the team is on the path to making a significant playoff run. Spring training is often seen as a time to get in shape and build chemistry, and Soto’s immediate impact serves as a promising sign for the upcoming 2025 season.

As Soto continues to showcase his power and skill, his focus will now shift towards maintaining momentum in the remaining spring training games, as he prepares to take on the regular season.