Mets Star Juan Soto Makes MLB History Against Braves

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin Groe | Last updated Aug 22, 2025 9:19 PM ET

Juan Soto reached historic heights before stepping on the field for the New York Mets this past offseason, signing a 15-year, $765 million contract—the largest deal baseball has ever seen.

Soto’s impressive resume and track record earned him such a lucrative salary, having collected four All-Star selections, five Silver Slugger Awards, and helping lead the Washington Nationals to a World Series championship at just 19 years old.

In his first season with the Mets, the 26-year-old superstar has once again been unstoppable, posting a .247 batting average, .381 on-base percentage, .872 OPS, and 31 home runs. He’s also swiped a career-high 20 stolen bases with two months remaining in the season.

Juan Soto’s Patience Pays Off as He Makes MLB History vs. Braves

During Friday’s game against the Atlanta Braves, Soto continued to etch his name into the record books when he recorded his second walk of the game in the top of the fifth inning—earning his 100th walk of the season.

This marked his sixth season in his eight-year career in which he’s accomplished the feat of hitting 25 home runs and drawing 100 walks. The only two seasons he didn’t reach that mark were his 2018 debut, when he played just 116 games, and the pandemic-shortened 2020 season—making this run of dominance even more impressive.

It also marked the first time any player in MLB history had accomplished the feat six times before turning 27, according to Sarah Langs.

This is Juan Soto’s sixth season with 25+ homers and 100+ walks

That’s the most of any player in MLB history before turning 27
— Sarah Langs (@SlangsOnSports) August 23, 2025

Soto’s Elite Plate Discipline and Power Fuel Mets’ Playoff Hopes

Soto’s plate discipline remains one of his greatest strengths, with his ability to work walks and get on base proving incredibly valuable to the superstars around him in the lineup. He entered Friday’s game leading the league in walks.

His ability to inject power at the same time makes Soto one of the most feared hitters in the sport—and why the Mets did everything they could to lock him in long-term.

The Mets are entering a crucial stretch of the season, clinging to a slim 0.5-game lead over the Cincinnati Reds for the final NL wild card spot and Soto’s continued offensive excellence must be on full display for the remainder of the year.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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