In a thrilling rematch of the 2024 NLCS, the New York Mets clawed their way to a 5-2 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers, fueled by a pivotal moment from Juan Soto. Despite battling an uncharacteristically slow start to the season, Soto delivered when it mattered most, sparking a rally that reminded fans why he remains one of baseball’s most electrifying talents.
Postgame, the superstar outfielder shifted the spotlight to his teammates, emphasizing their collective grit in a game that could mark a turning point for the Mets’ season.
Juan Soto’s clutch double
With the bases loaded in the fourth inning and the Mets trailing 1-0, Soto stepped up against Dodgers pitcher Tony Gonsolin. On a 2-2 splitter, Soto ripped a laser to right-center field, driving in Brett Baty and Francisco Lindor to give the Mets a lead they wouldn’t relinquish. The hit was a rare bright spot in Soto’s 2025 campaign, where he’s batting just .241 with a .792 OPS—well below his career .285/.421/.532 slash line.
“It’s always great,” Soto told Fox’s Ken Rosenthal postgame. “I know every single guy in this lineup is trying to come through when men are on. It hasn’t happened, but little by little, we’re all trying. When you come through like that and take the lead against a really offensive team, it’s huge. I’m really happy for that.”
The hit snapped an 0-for-12 skid with runners in scoring position for Juan Soto, who ranks 164th among qualified batters in RISP situations this year. Yet, his resilience in the clutch underscored why the Mets committed $765 million to him over 15 years.
A season of struggles and perspective
Soto’s 2025 season has been his toughest as a pro. After signing the largest contract in MLB history, expectations soared—but his performance has yet to match his usual elite standards. When asked if his struggles stemmed from bad luck, Soto offered a philosophical take:
“I don’t know, man. It’s just baseball,” he said. “Sometimes you’re going to hit the ball hard, and sometimes you’re going to hit it soft and find the hole. That’s just baseball. I’d call it baseball.”
The 25-year-old acknowledged the weight of his record-breaking deal, admitting, “It’s not easy at all. It’s a new team, and after you make a commitment this long, it takes time. It takes time to sit down, look around, and enjoy the moment.”
Team unity amid adversity
While Juan Soto’s numbers have dipped, his leadership hasn’t. The Mets’ lineup, plagued by inconsistency, has leaned on Soto’s unwavering confidence. His postgame comments highlighted a locker room focused on incremental progress rather than panic.
“Every single guy in this lineup is trying,” Soto reiterated, deflecting attention from his own challenges.
His praise for teammates like Francisco Lindor (who scored on Soto’s double) and Brett Baty (whose seventh-inning homer sealed the win) emphasized a “next man up” mentality crucial for postseason aspirations.
Why this win matters
The victory against the Dodgers wasn’t just about snapping a skid—it was a statement. The Dodgers, boasting MLB’s second-best record, represent the gold standard in the National League. Beating them in a high-pressure rematch signals the Mets’ potential to contend, even amid Soto’s struggles.
For Juan Soto, the game could be a catalyst. His career .923 OPS in September suggests he thrives as seasons deepen. If this clutch hit reignites his bat, the Mets’ $765 million investment might soon look like a bargain.
At 25-22, the Mets sit just 1.5 games behind the NL East-leading Braves. With Soto showing flashes of his vintage self and a lineup slowly finding its rhythm, New York’s ceiling remains sky-high. As Soto put it: “The season is still young.” For a player of his caliber, it’s only a matter of time before the hits start falling—and the Mets start soaring.