Juan Soto says he is enjoying his first Mets All-Star experience
Juan Soto told reporters at the 2026 All-Star break that he is enjoying his first midsummer classic as a Met, reconnecting with old teammates and watching the Home Run Derby—even as the Mets limp in after a difficult first half. As New York's lone All-Star, Juan Soto is embracing the moment while still defending his struggling club.
In a Monday interview at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, the Mets superstar said representing New York at the All-Star Game feels "really cool" after he was snubbed last season. Soto is the only Met at the midsummer showcase, giving him center stage to reflect on both the festivities and a turbulent first half for his team.
Key Takeaways
- Juan Soto is savoring his first All-Star selection as a Met at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia.
- As the Mets' lone All-Star rep, he defended teammates while acknowledging the club's disappointing first half.
- Soto highlighted rookie outfielders Carson Benge and A.J. Ewing as bright spots amid another difficult season.
- He picked Junior Caminero to win the Home Run Derby and wants to catch up with Yordan Alvarez.
- More celebrity breaking news continues to track Soto's star power amid the Mets' struggles.
Why is Juan Soto enjoying the All-Star Game this year?
After missing the 2025 Midsummer Classic, Soto earned his return and his first All-Star nod as a Met despite an early-season calf injury. "It feels great to be a part of another All-Star [team]," he told SNY. "It's always great to see so many good players, so many guys that have been putting in the work to be who they are right now. It's really cool to see."
The outfielder said he treats the week as a chance to catch up with rivals and former teammates—including Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber, his ex-Nationals clubhouse mates now with the Phillies. Soto also said he planned to watch Monday's Home Run Derby, backing Junior Caminero over the hometown favorites.
How is Soto handling the Mets' difficult first half?
Though Soto has been New York's MVP-caliber anchor, the Mets entered the break on a down note after being swept by the Boston Red Sox at Citi Field. Soto acknowledged the disappointment without blaming his teammates. "I've been trying my best to win games, to help my team," he said. "I know how hard my team is working and I appreciate that they come in day in and day out."
He added that falling short of expectations "feels like a little bit of failure," and that he needs to keep pushing. Soto believes the break will help everyone reset after a tough stretch. That tension sits at the heart of a New York Post column arguing the Mets risk wasting another historic Juan Soto year—though Joel Sherman notes there is reason for hope.
What role are rookies playing in Soto's outlook?
Soto pointed to the emergence of Carson Benge and A.J. Ewing as reasons fans should stay invested. Benge broke camp as the starting right fielder, while Ewing was called up in early May; both have played alongside Soto for much of the season.
At 27, Soto called himself the "forever rookie" and said mentoring younger Mets while having fun remains part of his identity. "I'm always gonna be there for them, but at the end of the day I always feel like one of them," he said. His message to supporters was direct: "Keep believing. We're gonna turn things around."
What did Soto say in MLB.com's All-Star interview?
In video remarks published by MLB.com on July 13, Soto discussed being named to the All-Star Game, representing the Mets, enjoying the experience, and watching the Home Run Derby. The clip captured a lighter side of a player who, per SNY, is still determined to help New York finish stronger in the second half.