Mets' Francisco Lindor has funny reason for wanting Juan Soto at All-Star Game

The MLB community was surprised to learn on Sunday that New York Mets outfielder Juan Soto wasn't selected for the National League All-Star Game roster. 

Shortstop Francisco Lindor, first baseman Pete Alonso and closer Edwin Diaz are set to represent the Mets during the All-Star Game that will be held at the Atlanta Braves' Truist Park. Following New York's come-from-behind win over the Baltimore Orioles on Tuesday, Lindor addressed Soto's All-Star Game snub.

"I hope he ends up making it," Lindor said, per SNY's Danny Abriano. "Hope he gets the recognition he deserves. He had one of the best Junes and numbers in the league. He’s one of the best players in the league for a reason. He’s an All-Star. He deserves to be in the All-Star Game. Hopefully, there’s an opportunity to be in it so the four of us can go out there and get booed."

While the Braves and Mets are longtime National League East rivals, Atlanta fans may feel an extra desire to boo Lindor and his teammates next week. Atlanta (39-51) began Wednesday trailing the Mets and the Philadelphia Phillies, who are tied for first place at 53-39, by a whopping 13 games in the division standings. 

As for Soto, he earned National League Player of the Month honors for June as he worked to put a spring slump behind him. Over his first 91 games with the Mets, he slashed .269/.399/.509 with a .908 OPS, 21 home runs and 52 RBI. According to Baseball Savant, he ended Tuesday ranked second in MLB with a .459 expected weighted on-base average (xwOBA) for the season. New York Yankees captain Aaron Judge led the league with a .468 xwOBA at that time. 

"If I had a slow start like him, I'll take that any year," Lindor added about Soto's overall performance. "I mean, with a .900 OPS and 20 home runs, 50-something RBI, I’ll take it. To his standard, he didn’t get to the start that he wanted, but he’s still elite. He’s still putting up elite numbers throughout the month of April and May. I’m just happy and amazed with how he went about it in the beginning. He never was someone else. He’s always been the same person. For a young player like him, he’s very mature."

Soto could be chosen as an All-Star Game replacement if somebody drops out. Regardless, he may now feel he has something to prove to critics in the second half.