The Mets will have three representatives at the All-Star Game.
Juan Soto won’t be one of them.
Despite delivering strong performances that align with his impressive contract, Soto didn’t secure a spot on the National League roster when it was revealed on Sunday. He had been part of the All-Star team for the past four years.
“Sometimes you make it, and sometimes you don’t,” Soto commented after the 6-4 defeat to the Yankees in the finale of the Subway Series at Citi Field on Sunday. “It’s just part of baseball.”
Soto wasn’t able to make up for his slow start in his first season in Queens after signing a 15-year, $765 million contract in the offseason.
Asked if he thought he’d done enough the previous month to make the team, Soto said, “It looks like I didn’t. I’ve just got to be better.”
He’d made it as a member of the Nationals, Padres and Yankees each year since 2021.
After putting up an OPS of just .745 through May 28, Soto entered Sunday with a 1.211 OPS in his previous 34 games.
Instead of Soto, Arizona’s Corbin Carroll, Miami’s Kyle Stowers, San Diego’s Fernando Tatis Jr. and Washington’s James Wood will be going to Atlanta.
Soto went hitless Sunday and was in the on-deck circle when Francisco Lindor struck out against Devin Williams to end the game.
Soto acknowledged it was a goal of his to continue his streak of playing in the Midsummer Classic.
“For me, I focus on playing my hardest, supporting my team, and cherishing the moment,” Soto expressed. “Everyone aspires to be an All-Star and enjoy that experience, but it didn’t happen this year. I’m grateful for having been part of it for four consecutive years. Not making it this year doesn’t bother me much. I’ll return stronger next year.”
While Soto will be sitting it out, Edwin Díaz and Pete Alonso were named as All-Star reserves and will join Lindor, who was voted in as the starting shortstop.
“It’s an honor, for sure,” said Alonso, who was named an All-Star for a fourth consecutive year and fifth time overall after his strong first half.
Díaz has been excellent for most of the season and especially since late April. In his past 24 appearances, the closer has allowed one earned run over 24 innings.
“I definitely wanted to be an All-Star,” Díaz said. “I’ve been throwing strikes and going after hitters. … It’s been good. I’ve been able to do whatever I want on the mound.”
