The New York Mets are going from the Houston Astros to the Tampa Bay Rays. Before the first game, they announced news about Juan Soto.
This will be a classic “David vs. Goliath” type of series. The Rays own an 82-54 record while the Mets sport a 61-76 win-loss record going into Monday night’s game. The Game will be broadcast at 6:40 PM Eastern Time, 4:40 PM Mountain Time.
The starting pitching battle will be between Robert Stock for the Mets and Ian Seymour for the Rays.
New York Mets Announce Juan Soto News
Prior to the start of the first game between these two teams, the Mets announced news regarding Soto.
When they named their lineup for the game, Soto was not on the starting roster, according to Underdog MLB:
- SS: Francisco Lindor
- 3B: Bo Bichette
- RF: Carson Benge
- DH: Mark Vientos
- 1B: Young
- LF: Christopher Morel
- 2B: Marcus Semien
- CF: C.J. Ewing
- C: Francisco Alvarez
Starting Pitcher: Robert Stock.
F. Lindor SS B. Bichette 3B C. Benge RF M. Vientos DH J. Young 1B C. Morel LF M. Semien 2B A. Ewing CF F. Alvarez C
R. Stock SP
Soto being out of the lineup is not the only change. Bichette and Benge both moved up in the lineup to bat second and third. Mark Vientos steps into the lineup to bat fourth. Francisco Alvarez comes in to replace Luis Torrens as the catcher.
Looking at Juan Soto
Soto is a 27-year-old outfielder with one of the best bats in the MLB.
He has played 86 games this year. In those games, Soto has recorded 85 hits, eight doubles, two triples, 54 RBIs, and 22 home runs. Additionally, he has a .283 batting average and a .407 on-base percentage.
Soto has had some unfortunate injury trouble this year.
He was put on the IL for a left calf strain and was activated from the IL on August 29th, 2026. Since coming off the IL, Soto has played in two games.
In those two games, he has had seven at-bats and collected two hits, two RBIs, and one home run.
Looking at Juan Soto’s Future With the New York Mets
No matter how they approach Soto, he is a vital member of the organization. Given that they are eliminated from playoff contention, it does not make sense to push Soto physically.
Soto is only in his second season with the Mets organization. On December 9th, 2024, he signed a 15-year, $765,000,000 contract.
One way or another, Soto is only getting out of the Mets organization if he wants to leave. He currently has a player opt-out for the 2030 season.
Until then, any speculation is not rooted in anything other than fantasy.
New York Mets Announce Sudden Juan Soto News Before Rays Series