Juan Soto’s debut for the New York Mets didn’t exactly go as fans hoped. The Mets lost 3–2 to the Houston Astros, and the game ended with Soto striking out to Josh Hader, a former teammate from his Padres days. Soto was at the plate, with runners on the corners and two outs in the top of the ninth, down to a full count. He got ahead 3–0 but couldn’t finish it off, eventually swinging and missing at Hader’s slider.

Afterward, Soto admitted the pitch caught him off guard, calling it a “pretty good pitch” that got him. Despite the loss, Soto showed maturity by tipping his cap to Hader, proving he’s got the poise that makes him a leader at just 26 years old.

Soto’s debut stat line was decent—1 hit, 2 walks, and 3 at-bats—but the pressure’s already on. He signed a massive 15-year, $765 million deal with the Mets in the offseason, so expectations are sky-high for him. Even though this wasn’t the start he wanted, Mets fans should be excited. With Soto, Pete Alonso, Francisco Lindor, and others, the Mets have a stacked lineup. Opening Day marked a new chapter for Soto, who’s hoping to make Queens his long-term home after stints with the Nationals and Padres. There’s still a lot of season left, and plenty of chances for Soto to shine.