Winning an MVP award in Major League Baseball is a challenging feat. The competition is heightened in the National League, especially with the presence of exemplary talents like Shohei Ohtani, whose performance sets an exceptionally high bar. This year, Juan Soto, the New York Mets outfielder, has all the potential to dethrone Ohtani, given his generational talent. Yet, the road to capturing his first MVP title is fraught with obstacles. To clinch the coveted hardware, Soto must excel in three critical areas: improving his outfield defense, aiming for a historic 50/50 season, and enhancing his role as the Mets’ primary power generator.
1. Improve Outfield Defense
Defense has been a glaring weakness in Soto’s game. His last positive Defensive Runs Saved (DRS) figure was in 2021, and he has accumulated -14 in the four seasons that followed. Many skeptics voiced concerns about his recent record-breaking contract, speculating that the Mets may end up transitioning him into a designated hitter role as his fielding contributions dwindle. For Soto to maintain his viability and consider MVP candidacy seriously, an improvement on defense is essential. His -12 Outs Above Average (OAA) score in 2025 placed him in the 1st percentile, making the case even more urgent. While he may not need to match defensive icons like Steven Kwan, achieving league-average would significantly bolster his MVP resume.
2. Go for 50/50
Baseball thrives on milestones, and reaching a 50/50 season—50 home runs and 50 stolen bases—would be unprecedented for Soto. Last year, Soto showcased his potential by hitting 43 home runs and stealing 38 bases, both career highs. The uptick in stolen bases was striking, especially as he had previously never surpassed 12 in a season. If Soto can replicate or even surpass these numbers, he would place himself in MVP conversations much like Ronald Acuña Jr. did with his 40/70 season that captured all first-place MVP votes in 2023. Achieving the elusive 50/50 mark could provide a compelling argument for MVP voters to rally behind Soto in 2026.
3. Continue Serving as the Mets’ Power Generator
With Pete Alonso no longer on the Mets roster and Francisco Lindor potentially limited by injuries, Soto’s power production becomes even more crucial. Last season, he narrowly outpaced Alonso in slugging percentage, hitting .525. Yet, the Mets’ collective slugging percentage dropped to .427, ranking them 8th in MLB. With fewer established power hitters around him now, Soto must step up as the team’s primary offensive threat. If he can consistently deliver high slugging numbers, it would serve both the Mets and his MVP aspirations extremely well.
| Stakeholder | Before the Season | After Projected Improvements |
|---|---|---|
| Juan Soto | Uncertain MVP status, poor defense | Stronger MVP candidacy, improved fielding |
| New York Mets | Power reliance on multiple players | Soto as their primary slugger |
| MVP Voters | Focused on traditional metrics | Influenced by 50/50 milestone potential |
Localized Ripple Effect
The implications of Soto’s performance extend beyond the Mets and resonate across major baseball markets in the US, UK, Canada, and Australia. In the US, his potential accomplishments could reinvigorate interest in the beleaguered Mets fandom. Meanwhile, in the UK, where baseball garners growing popularity, Soto’s milestones could lead to a surge in engagement from young fans. In Canada and Australia, a strong showing from Soto could further enhance baseball’s international appeal and inspire local players to emulate his success.
Projected Outcomes
Looking ahead, several developments can shape the narrative surrounding Juan Soto’s MVP bid:
- Defensive Improvements: Expect Soto to focus on training that enhances his range and reaction times, resulting in a more favorable Defensive Runs Saved figure.
- Chasing Milestones: Track his journey towards the 50/50 milestone, as achieving this could shift public perception and media coverage towards his MVP candidacy.
- Impact on the Mets’ Lineup: Watch for adjustments in the team’s hitting order to maximize Soto’s power potential, especially as they seek to navigate the loss of other key hitters.
