Juan Soto Joins Griffey, Trout, A-Rod in Rare MLB History

Juan Soto has etched his name alongside baseball royalty. The New York Mets outfielder became just the fourth player in MLB history to record at least 270 home runs and 100 stolen bases before turning 28 years old. He accomplished the feat with a 428-foot homer against the Philadelphia Phillies on Friday night, joining Ken Griffey Jr., Mike Trout, and Alex Rodriguez in one of the sport's most exclusive clubs.

Soto's elite plate discipline and early career success have drawn comparisons to Boston Red Sox legend Ted Williams from some analysts. That parallel, however, is not universally accepted. Veteran WFAN broadcaster Joe Benigno recently blasted the comparison, calling Soto "overrated" in a fiery on-air segment. "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, saying he would prefer to see other Mets batters in key spots.

Away from the criticism, Soto offered insight into the mindset of a former teammate. He recently commented on the future of veteran pitcher Max Scherzer, who is approaching his 500th career appearance. Scherzer, now with the Toronto Blue Jays, has not announced if he will return for a 20th season in 2027. Soto, who played with Scherzer in Washington and New York, believes the competitive fire still burns. "Juan Soto thinks Max Scherzer 'wants to play forever,'" a report stated, capturing Soto's view that the 42-year-old ace has the drive to continue pitching at the highest level.

Despite a 2026 season shortened by injury, Soto's career trajectory continues to point toward historic milestones. A broader look at active hit leaders places him on a plausible path to the hallowed 3,000-hit club. Through 1,199 games, Soto has accumulated 1,187 hits, including 210 doubles. His consistent high-level production from a young age provides a strong foundation for the marathon chase, though he remains in the early stages of that long journey.

This season has been a mix of individual achievement and team frustration for Soto and the Mets. In 103 games, he has posted 26 home runs and a.920 OPS, solid numbers when healthy. His stolen base efficiency remains high, going 9-for-12 this year after a surprising 38-steal campaign in 2025. The Mets, however, have been out of playoff contention, missing the postseason in both of Soto's seasons in Queens so far.

• Historic Company: Soto is the fourth player ever with 270+ HR and 100+ SB before age 28, alongside Griffey Jr., Trout, and Rodriguez.
• Season Context: His 2026 campaign includes 26 homers and a.920 OPS, though injuries limited him to 103 games for a struggling Mets team.
• Future Hallmark: Soto's early career hit total (1,187) positions him as a potential candidate for the 3,000-hit club, though it's a long-term goal.
• Controversial Praise: Analyst comparisons to Ted Williams have sparked debate, with some media members strongly rejecting the parallel.