Juan Soto Aims for Sixth All-MLB Honor

Juan Soto is in the running for his sixth career All-MLB Team selection, a nod to his sustained elite performance in the 2026 season. The New York Mets superstar, whose $765 million contract remains the largest in league history, is one of the central figures as the regular season concludes and award season begins.

Soto's Historic Contract Still Resonates

Soto's landmark deal with the Mets, finalized in December 2024, reset the financial landscape of baseball. The 15-year, $765 million agreement surpassed Shohei Ohtani's previous record and features a $75 million signing bonus with no deferred money. It carries an average annual value of $51 million and includes a player opt-out after the 2029 season. The Mets hold a provision to void that opt-out by increasing the total value to $805 million. The contract came on the heels of a spectacular 2024 campaign with the Yankees where Soto hit.288 with 41 homers and finished third in AL MVP voting.

Chasing Another All-MLB Team Selection

Major League Baseball announced the nominees for the 2026 All-MLB Team on October 4, with Soto among the contenders. Voting runs through October 9, and winners will be revealed at the MLB Awards in Las Vegas on November 11. Soto is vying for his sixth overall selection, having been chosen five times previously. He is also attempting to secure an All-MLB honor for the third consecutive season, a feat shared with other stars like Bobby Witt Jr. And Paul Skenes.

A Prospect's Flattering Comparison

Soto's unique batting stance and plate discipline have become so iconic they now serve as a benchmark for young talent. In September 2026, Los Angeles Dodgers top prospect Josue De Paula drew immediate comparisons to Soto after a plate appearance against the Cincinnati Reds. The 21-year-old De Paula displayed a similar, emphatic reaction to taking a pitch, reminiscent of Soto's famous shuffle. Dodgers broadcaster Joe Davis and MLB's official social media were among those who noted the similarity, with De Paula himself reportedly "not mad" at the lofty comparison to the Mets' five-time All-Star.

Soto's Mets Push Toward Postseason

As the 2026 season entered its final weeks, Soto's Mets were positioned as strong favorites in matchups like their September 5 game against the San Francisco Giants. New York's offense, buoyed by Soto's presence, had scored 20 runs in its prior two games. The team's performance down the stretch is critical as they look to capitalize on the investment in their superstar and make a deep playoff run.

• Juan Soto's 15-year, $765 million Mets contract is the largest in MLB history.
• He is a 2026 nominee for the All-MLB Team, seeking a sixth career selection.
• Top Dodgers prospect Josue De Paula has drawn on-field comparisons to Soto's iconic batting style.
• The Mets, built around Soto, were heavy favorites in late-season matchups as they chased a playoff berth.