By Sunday 
A Thunderous Debut in Spring Training
Juan Soto wasted no time making an impact in his first appearance with the New York Mets. In his very first at-bat of spring training, the superstar slugger launched a towering 426-foot home run to left-center field against the Houston Astros on Saturday.
The blast came in the first inning on a 2-1 pitch from left-hander Colton Gordon, giving Mets fans an early taste of what their record-breaking acquisition brings to the lineup.
New Team, Same Power
Soto’s move across New York—from the Yankees to the Mets—was one of the biggest storylines of the offseason. The 25-year-old outfielder inked a staggering $765 million, 15-year contract, the richest in baseball history. Expectations are sky-high, and if his first at-bat is any indication, he’s more than ready to deliver.
Hitting second in the Mets’ order, sandwiched between Francisco Lindor and Pete Alonso, Soto wasted no time proving his worth. After his mammoth homer in the first inning, he added an RBI ground ball in the second, already showcasing his run-producing ability.
Soto’s Spring Training Track Record
Spring training stats don’t always translate to the regular season, but Soto’s track record in March is impressive. Entering Saturday’s game, he carried a .302 average with 13 home runs in 86 spring training games. The early fireworks against Houston suggest he’s picking up right where he left off.
A Sign of Things to Come?
While it’s just the beginning of spring training, Soto’s explosive start sends a strong message. The Mets are counting on him to be a franchise cornerstone, and he’s already showing why he was worth the investment.
If Saturday’s blast was a preview of what’s ahead, Citi Field is in for a thrilling season with Soto leading the charge.