Overview
- Soto said he assessed how he felt physically before deciding not to enter the Home Run Derby and chose to pass to preserve rest and recovery.
- He remains the Mets’ All‑Star starter and will travel to Citizens Bank Park for the All‑Star festivities despite skipping the Derby.
- Soto has prior Derby experience, having competed in 2021 and won the event in 2022, which provides context for his careful choice this year.
- The announced Derby field includes Bryce Harper, Kyle Schwarber, Junior Caminero, Jac Caglianone, Ben Rice, Willson Contreras, Jordan Walker and Munetaka Murakami.
- Soto’s strong 2026 season (.297/.412/.576, a .989 OPS with 21 homers and 51 RBIs) helps explain why he and the Mets prioritized managing extra exertion now.