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ItalianoJuan Soto Eyes Mets Return After Live Batting Practice Step
Juan Soto is pushing to return to the New York Mets lineup before the 2026 season concludes. The star outfielder, out since July 24 with a left calf strain, took a major step forward by participating in live batting practice and fielding drills on Wednesday.
Is a late-season return for Soto realistic?
Interim manager Carlos Mendoza addressed the situation, acknowledging the team's last-place standing makes rushing Soto back less urgent. The Mets began Thursday with a 60-73 record, effectively ending their playoff hopes. Yet, Soto himself is adamant about playing again. "We are playing really good baseball right now," Soto told MLB.com ahead of a weekend series with the Nationals. "Why not try to rejoin this team?" He wants to finish strong and build momentum for 2027, a sentiment that complicates the typical shutdown logic for a lost season.
How has Soto performed when healthy in 2026?
When available, Soto has delivered elite production, earning his All-Star selection. In 84 games, he has slashed .283/.408/.539 with 21 home runs and 52 RBI. Availability has been the problem, however. Between an earlier right calf strain and this current left leg issue, Soto has missed 38 games entering the last weekend of August. He called the repeated injuries "tough" and said he needs to learn more about his body and adjust his training to stay on the field.
Where does Soto's contract rank in MLB?
Even in an injury-shortened campaign, Soto remains the sport's highest-paid player. According to MLB present-day calculations obtained by USA TODAY Sports, Soto will earn $61.875 million in 2026. That figure leads all of baseball, placing him ahead of Yankees slugger Cody Bellinger ($42.5 million) and teammate Bo Bichette ($42 million). The Mets have two of the top three salaries on their books, yet both players are certain to miss the postseason, a stark reminder that high payroll doesn't guarantee success.
| Player | Team | 2026 Salary (Present-Day Value) |
|---|---|---|
| Juan Soto | New York Mets | $61,875,000 |
| Cody Bellinger | New York Yankees | $42,500,000 |
| Bo Bichette | New York Mets | $42,000,000 |
| Zack Wheeler | Philadelphia Phillies | $42,000,000 |
| Vladimir Guerrero Jr. | Toronto Blue Jays | $40,214,286 |
What is the team context for Soto's potential return?
The Mets have played better recently, going 5-3 since the August 3 trade deadline where they were clear sellers. Young players and recent call-ups have contributed, but the lineup desperately lacks Soto's impact bat. His desire to return speaks to his competitive drive, but the organization must weigh the risk of re-injury in meaningless games against the value of letting their franchise player end the year on a positive note.
- Juan Soto participated in live batting practice on Wednesday, August 26, signaling progress from a left calf strain that has sidelined him since late July.
- Soto is the highest-paid player in MLB for the 2026 season, with a salary of $61.875 million, but he and the Mets are out of playoff contention.
- In 84 games this year, Soto posted an All-Star caliber .283/.408/.539 slash line with 21 homers, but he has missed 38 total games due to calf issues.
- The player wants to return to help finish the season strong, creating a decision for the Mets' management about playing him in a lost season.
Soto's final push to get back on the field highlights his professionalism in a disappointing year for the franchise. His massive contract and injury troubles have defined a 2026 campaign that both he and the Mets will be eager to put behind them.