New York Mets outfielder Juan Soto was notably absent from a recent projection of the 2025 MLB All-Star Game roster. Despite the Mets' overall success this season, Soto's individual performance metrics through early May did not earn him a spot in the expert's forecast.
Juan Soto, playing in his first season with the New York Mets after signing a substantial contract, is hitting .252 with a .822 OPS. He has recorded five home runs and 14 RBIs entering play on May 2.
These numbers are respectable for many players, but they fall short of the expectations tied to Soto's 15-year, $765 million contract.
The depth of talent in the National League outfield presents competition for All-Star spots. A prediction published May 2 listed the starting NL outfielders as Corbin Carroll of the Arizona Diamondbacks, Fernando Tatis Jr. of the San Diego Padres, and Pete Crow-Armstrong of the Chicago Cubs.
The prediction also listed five outfield reserves, none of whom were Juan Soto. The author acknowledged that many players, including Soto, were worthy of consideration but did not make the list.
Other outfielders named as potential candidates included Jackson Chourio (MIL), Sal Frelick (MIL), Teoscar Hernández (LAD), Gavin Lux (CIN), Lars Nootbaar (STL), Andy Pages (LAD), and Mike Yastrzemski (SF). Some observers have pointed to players like Jung Hoo Lee of the San Francisco Giants and James Wood of the Washington Nationals, citing higher OPS numbers and bWAR, as having stronger cases based on early performance.
Miami Marlins outfielder Kyle Stowers, hitting .323 with a .907 OPS, was projected to make the team as a required representative for his club. Stowers recorded a pinch-hit three-run homer this season.
Several of Soto's Mets teammates were predicted to make the NL roster. First baseman Pete Alonso, shortstop Francisco Lindor, and pitchers Kodai Senga and Tylor Megill were included in the forecast.
While predictions this early can change significantly, the potential omission of a player with Juan Soto's profile would mark a surprise. Soto's recent performance, including two home runs on May 1, could signal a potential turnaround.
