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Juan Soto Ties Stanton in Historic Home Run Feat

2026-09-03 · Juan Soto · Player Focus

Juan Soto is back in the New York Mets lineup and making history. Activated from the injured list ahead of a game against the Houston Astros, the star outfielder promptly tied a major league record for home runs by a player under 28.

Soto Returns from Injury for Mets' Stretch Run

The Mets activated Juan Soto from the injured list, clearing him to play against the Houston Astros. This move followed a significant step in his recovery process, indicating he had progressed through baseball activities. His return provides a major boost to the Mets' offense as they navigate the final weeks of the regular season.

Soto Ties Yankees' Stanton on Historic Home Run List

On Wednesday, September 2, 2026, Soto launched his 267th career home run in a game against the Tampa Bay Rays. That blast tied him with New York Yankees slugger Giancarlo Stanton for the ninth-most homers hit before a player's 28th birthday in MLB history. Soto, who turns 28 on October 25, has a chance to climb higher. He could next pass Hall of Famer Mel Ott, who hit 275 home runs before turning 28. MLB stats expert Sarah Langs highlighted the achievement. Soto's early debut at age 19 with the Washington Nationals in 2018 set him on this path, though the shortened 2020 season and injuries in 2026 have cost him games.

Soto Leads MLB as 2026's Highest-Paid Player

Despite the Mets' struggles, Soto tops the sport's financial charts. According to MLB present-day calculations obtained by USA TODAY Sports, Soto is the highest-paid player in baseball for the 2026 season. He will earn $61.875 million. This puts him ahead of Yankees outfielder Cody Bellinger ($42.5 million) and his own teammate, Bo Bichette ($42 million). The list underscores that a massive salary does not guarantee team success, as five of the top ten highest-paid players are set to miss the playoffs.

PlayerTeam2026 Salary
Juan SotoNew York Mets$61,875,000
Cody BellingerNew York Yankees$42,500,000
Bo BichetteNew York Mets$42,000,000
Vladimir Guerrero Jr.Toronto Blue Jays$40,214,286
Aaron JudgeNew York Yankees$40,000,000

Soto's Impact on the Mets' Lineup

With Soto back, the Mets' lineup immediately gains one of the game's most feared left-handed bats. His home run on September 2 was his 23rd of the season in just his 89th game, representing one of the best power rates of his career outside the abbreviated 2020 campaign. His presence changes the complexion of every game he plays, forcing opposing pitchers to alter their strategies.

  • Key Takeaways:
  • Juan Soto was activated from the IL and hit his 267th career home run on September 2, 2026.
  • That home run tied him with Giancarlo Stanton for ninth-most all-time before age 28.
  • Soto is the highest-paid player in MLB for 2026, earning $61.875 million.
  • The Mets, despite having two of the top three salaries, are out of playoff contention.

His season has been a mix of brilliant production and frustrating absences. And now, with a month left to play, Soto has dual motivations: to help his team finish strong and to chase a little more history before his birthday arrives.

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