The New York Mets have been busy this offseason, making a series of strategic moves that have fans buzzing with anticipation. While the new lineup, rotation, and bullpen bring some uncertainties, there's plenty of optimism surrounding the team.
At the heart of this excitement is Juan Soto, who had a stellar 2025 season with the Mets. Now, at 27, Soto could be poised for another standout year, potentially challenging Shohei Ohtani for the NL MVP title.
According to ESPN's David Schoenfield, Soto reaching the coveted 40 home runs and 40 stolen bases mark in 2026 is within the realm of possibility. Schoenfield notes that despite teams being aware of Soto's baserunning prowess late last season, they struggled to contain him. This suggests that Soto might be gearing up for another impressive year on the bases.
To outshine Ohtani, Soto will need an extraordinary season. Pairing a big home run tally with a career-high in stolen bases could bolster his MVP chances. A 40-40 season would certainly make a strong case for him.
While surpassing Ohtani is no small feat, Soto might just have the edge if he achieves those numbers. Last season, Soto surprised many by swiping 38 bases, a remarkable feat for a player not known for blazing speed. Unlike speedsters like Elly De La Cruz or Trea Turner, Soto's previous best was 12 steals, making his 2025 performance even more impressive.
With consecutive seasons hitting at least 40 home runs, Soto's late-season momentum from 2025 could carry him to the 40-40 milestone in 2026. Schoenfield believes in Soto's potential, and given his surprising base-stealing surge and consistent power, reaching those goals is well within reach.