The Mets -- whether it was their 12-game losing streak, a rash of injuries to their offense or questions about their manager’s job security -- haven’t seemed to have much fun early in 2026. But Juan Soto took the opportunity during an 8-0 win Tuesday over the Nationals to enjoy a light-hearted moment.
Soto, with a two-run home run earlier in the night, stepped to the plate in the seventh inning and quickly got ahead in the count, 3-0. If you listen closely, you can hear him address Washington catcher Drew Millas with a question.
“Should I swing or should I take?” Soto asked. “I’ll do whatever you say.”
And, unlike Michael Jordan in “Space Jam,” Soto actually honored Millas’ direction. However, it wasn’t good advice. Righty reliever Andre Granillo pumped a fastball for a strike to make it 3-1.
Soto asked Millas’ advice once again. “What about now? Take?” Then, another strike from Granillo.
Soto didn’t leave things up to his opponent for the 3-2 offering. He got a hittable fastball over the plate but flew out to left field. He appeared disappointed with himself afterward, spinning around in the batter’s box before running toward first base. After all, Soto hasn’t seen many appetizing pitches lately.
The 27-year-old was on the IL with a calf strain as New York suffered its extended losing streak. Things have stabilized slightly since he returned a week ago, with the club going 3-3.
Perhaps Tuesday’s seven-run fourth inning and blowout win can spark things even further.