Juan Soto Enters Elite MLB History Club Amid Mets'

Juan Soto has cemented his place among baseball's all-time greats, joining an exclusive club of generational talents while his New York Mets languish far from the postseason. The 27-year-old slugger launched his 270th career home run on Friday, September 16, 2026, against the Philadelphia Phillies, achieving a historic statistical milestone.

Soto Enters Rarified Air with Griffey, A-Rod, and Trout

With that 428-foot blast, Soto became just the fourth player in MLB history to record at least 270 home runs and at least 100 stolen bases before turning 28 years old. The only other members of this club are Hall of Famers Ken Griffey Jr. And Alex Rodriguez, and future Hall of Famer Mike Trout. This places the Mets outfielder in the conversation with the most complete offensive players of the modern era. Soto has swiped 104 bases in his career, with a surprising 38-steal campaign in 2025 boosting his total.

Record Contract Makes Soto MLB's Highest-Paid Player in 2026

Soto's historic production is matched by historic earnings. He is the highest-paid player in baseball this season, earning a salary of $61,975,000. This stems from the record-shattering 15-year, $765 million contract he signed with the Mets before the 2025 season. His deal eclipsed the total value of Shohei Ohtani's famous $700 million pact, though Ohtani's heavily deferred structure gives Soto the annual salary crown. The Mets outfielder has an opt-out clause available after the 2029 season.

Criticism Emerges Despite Historic Numbers

Not everyone is convinced Soto belongs in the pantheon of legends. Veteran WFAN broadcaster Joe Benigno launched a blistering critique this week, specifically targeting comparisons between Soto and Boston Red Sox icon Ted Williams. "I'm putting it right out there... This guy (Pete Alonso) is having a much better year than the overrated Juan 'freaking' Soto," Benigno said. "And if I hear again that this guy is Ted Williams, I'm gonna vomit." Benigno questioned Soto's clutch hitting, stating he would prefer to see other Mets hitters in key spots.

Injury-Hampered Season Ends Without Playoffs

The criticism comes as Soto's second season in Queens ends without a playoff berth for the second consecutive year. Limited to 103 games due to injuries in 2026, he has still posted a robust.920 OPS with 26 homers. They were never seriously in the postseason race this year, a brutal disappointment for a franchise with the league's top payroll. Fans can review the full season standings on our [standings](/standings) page.

Key Takeaways from Soto's 2026 Season

• Historic Milestone: Joined Griffey Jr., A-Rod, and Trout as the only players with 270+ HR and 100+ SB before age 28.
• Financial Leader: His $61.975 million salary for 2026 is the largest in Major League Baseball.
• Team Struggle: Despite Soto's production, the Mets are missing the playoffs for the second straight year since his record signing.
• Public Scrutiny: Faced direct criticism from a prominent New York media voice questioning his 'clutch' factor and legendary comparisons.