Juan Soto Respects Mets Manager's Choice Amid Playoff Hopes

Juan Soto and Francisco Lindor have publicly supported interim manager Andy Green's likely decision to return to a front office role after the season. The New York Mets stars spoke after a 10-6 win over the San Francisco Giants on Friday, September 4, 2026, respecting what Lindor called a "very personal decision."

Will Andy Green Stay as Mets Manager?

Andy Green seems set on keeping the interim tag. Both he and the organization expect him to go back to the front office in the offseason to avoid the daily grind of managing. Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns acknowledged Green has done a very good job but deferred further comment on the managerial search.

Francisco Lindor told The New York Post the choice is between Green and his family. Juan Soto added that the uncertainty is tough for players. "It's tough to not know what you're gonna get next year," Soto said. "When you get comfortable, it's tough to see them get away." He praised Green's work, saying everybody feels good with him and that he stays out of the players' way.

Is Soto's Playoff Optimism Realistic?

Following a series win over the Tampa Bay Rays on Wednesday, September 2, Soto insisted the Mets are not finished. "We're not finished yet, we're not done yet. Who knows what can happen," he said. The comment drew humorous reactions from fans online, with one saying, "I didn't realize Juan Soto was a comedian."

The optimism faces steep odds. New York is 63-77, dead last in the NL East and 20 games behind the Atlanta Braves. They sit 10.5 games out of the final Wild Card spot with just 22 games left. History offers slim hope, like the 2025 Cleveland Guardians who won 19 of 24 to earn a Wild Card from a similar deficit.

How Does Soto's 2026 Salary Compare?

Juan Soto is the highest-paid player in Major League Baseball for the 2026 season. According to MLB's present-day calculations obtained by USA TODAY Sports, he will earn $61.875 million. That figure leads a list where five of the top ten highest-paid players are set to miss the playoffs.

Soto's Mets teammate, Bo Bichette, is third on the list at $42 million. The data highlights how a massive salary doesn't guarantee team success.

What Are Soto's Current Stats?

Heading into a game against the Giants on Saturday, September 5, prop bets were set for Soto at over/under 1 hit and 2 total bases. For the 2026 season, Soto is batting .281 with an on-base percentage of .402 and a slugging percentage of .542 for a .944 OPS. He has 87 hits, 55 runs, 64 walks, and 51 strikeouts in 377 plate appearances over 89 games.

His average of 1.0 hit and 1.9 total bases per game this year aligns closely with his career averages.

How is Soto Engaging with the Community?

Separate from the on-field drama, Soto was part of a group of Mets All-Stars who recently surprised young kids at a baseball clinic in Brooklyn. The event, covered by WPIX, showed players giving back to the local fanbase during a challenging season.

• KEY TAKEAWAYS:
• Juan Soto and Francisco Lindor support Andy Green's expected departure from the dugout after 2026.
• Soto maintains belief in an unlikely Mets playoff run despite being 10.5 games out with 22 to play.
• He is the MLB's highest-paid player in 2026, earning a record $61.875 million.
• Soto is batting .281 with a .944 OPS, providing elite production amid team struggles.

The Mets continue their schedule with Soto as their central figure, both in the lineup and in the ledger.