Mets Announce Juan Soto News at Spring Training

Soto spent the past two weeks away from Mets camp while competing in the World Baseball Classic for the Dominican Republic.

Although the Dominicans were eliminated by Team USA in the semifinal by a 2‑1 final, Soto performed up to his standards on the global stage.

Across six appearances, he posted a .261 batting average, .393 on‑base percentage and .915 OPS with two home runs, four RBIs and five walks. 

After the Dominican Republic was eliminated on Sunday, Soto still had not returned to Mets camp or appeared in any spring training action until Thursday. New York announced its spring training lineup for the matchup against the Houston Astros, officially reinserting Soto and placing him second in the order while starting him in left field. 

Many of the Mets regulars are also in the lineup, making Soto’s return especially important as the team begins to shape what its Opening Day order will look like.

With Soto sandwiched between Lindor and Bo Bichette, the Mets are getting an early look at the top‑of‑the‑order trio they expect to lean on heavily this season. 

Soto’s focus now shifts back to the Mets and continuing to be the player he has been over his eight MLB seasons. He is a four‑time All‑Star, six‑time Silver Slugger and one of the best hitters the sport has ever seen.

With his return from the WBC, the Mets can begin building toward a season in which Soto is expected to lead the charge in their pursuit of their first World Series title since 1986.