The New York Mets are on an 11-game losing streak after a 2-1 loss to the Chicago Cubs on Sunday, April 19, and little has gone right during the slide. The offense has stalled, the pitching has been inconsistent, and the team’s early momentum is fading.
However, there may be help on the way. Star outfielder Juan Soto is nearing a return after suffering a right calf strain while running the bases against the San Francisco Giants on April 3, 2026. He was placed on the 10-day injured list, retroactive to April 4, and has missed more than two weeks.
With Soto expected back soon, the Mets face a key roster decision. One option could be designating Tommy Pham for assignment. Pham has struggled both offensively and defensively since being called up, making him a potential odd man out. As the Mets look to turn things around, Soto’s return could force a necessary change.
Soto’s return could provide the boost the Mets have been missing, especially compared to recent production in the outfield. In five games this season, Pham has struck out four times and has yet to record a hit, offering little offensive value during the team’s slump. That lack of production has only magnified the Mets’ struggles at the plate.
By contrast, Soto has already proven his impact. In his last full season, he finished third in National League MVP voting and won a Silver Slugger Award. Over 160 games, the 27-year-old posted a .263 batting average, .396 on-base percentage, and .921 OPS, along with 43 home runs and 105 RBIs. His disciplined approach at the plate, highlighted by a low chase rate and high walk rate, makes him one of the most reliable hitters in the game. His return could help stabilize the lineup and restore much-needed offensive consistency.
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Soto has developed into one of the premier outfielders in baseball. He signed with the Washington Nationals as a 16-year-old international free agent in 2015 out of the Dominican Republic and quickly emerged as a generational talent. Soto debuted in 2018 at age 19 and helped lead Washington to a World Series title in 2019. He was traded to the San Diego Padres in 2022, later dealt to the New York Yankees, and eventually signed with the Mets.
In December 2024, Soto agreed to a record-breaking 15-year, $765 million contract, the largest in North American professional sports history. He is known for elite plate discipline, consistently low chase rates, and exceptional walk totals. Soto pairs that with power and contact, regularly producing high exit velocities while using all fields. His advanced pitch recognition, durability, and steady production make him one of the game’s most reliable stars.
