Juan Soto Achieves Career-High 42nd Home Run, Nears Historic 40/40 Season with Mets

Juan Soto continues his legendary first season with the New York Mets, setting a new career high with his 42nd home run on Friday, a blast that gave the Mets an 8-4 lead. This milestone is the third-most by a Met in a single season, with 21 homers at home. Manager Carlos Mendoza lauded Soto's consistency and impact, calling him a "special guy, special player." Soto expressed satisfaction, attributing his success to hard work. Over his last 20 games, dating back to August 29, Soto boasts a .368/.462/.829 slashline with 10 home runs, 24 RBI, and 20 runs, leading the majors in several categories. He also recorded his 121st walk, just four shy of a Mets franchise record, and his 34th stolen base, a career high and the most by a Met since 2013. With eight games remaining, Soto is six stolen bases away from becoming the first Met and only the seventh MLB player to achieve a 40/40 season.