Soto’s Arrival at Mets Camp Creates Buzz: ‘You Could Just Feel It’ #1

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — The atmosphere at the Mets’ Clover Park complex shifted dramatically on Sunday as Juan Soto, the team’s newest superstar, made his grand entrance. It’s been at least a decade—perhaps longer—since Port St. Lucie witnessed a spectacle of this magnitude.

From the moment Soto stepped out of his car, the excitement was palpable. A cameraman who had been stationed outside https://www.storenymets.com/collections/griffin-canning-jersey since 6:30 a.m. captured the scene, while a crowd of media, photographers, and team staff trailed Soto as he moved through the facility. Even during routine stretches, fans lined the chain-link fence, eager to catch a glimpse of the Mets’ newest star.

“Welcome to the team!” one fan shouted. “Bring us the glory!”

While Soto’s 15-year journey with the Mets is just beginning, the expectations are sky-high. Owner Steve Cohen has already expressed hopes for multiple World Series titles during Soto’s tenure. For now, though, Soto is focused on building relationships, settling in, and making a strong first impression.

“There’s definitely more cameras around,” manager Carlos Mendoza noted. “When he stepped onto the field and headed to the batting cage, you could feel the energy. Everyone stopped and watched. It was like, ‘Alright, he’s here.’”

Soto’s first batting practice session didn’t disappoint. He launched a ball nearly to the top of the center-field batter’s eye and later cleared the fence with another swing—though he seemed unsatisfied with the latter. “He’s just a monster,” hitting coach Jeremy Barnes remarked.

This level of excitement is rare for the Mets. Francisco Lindor’s arrival in 2021 was significant, but it occurred during the pandemic, limiting the fanfare. Yoenis Céspedes brought his own brand of spectacle in the past, but he wasn’t a new addition at the time. The last comparable introduction might have been Johan Santana’s arrival in 2008, when he was seen as the missing piece for a championship-caliber team.

Like Santana, Soto joins a talented roster that came within two wins of the National League pennant last year. His presence suggests the Mets could be even stronger in 2025. However, Soto was quick to temper expectations during his 20-minute press conference.

“I don’t think I have to be The Guy,” Soto said, referencing the team’s deep roster of All-Stars. “I’m not trying to do more than I’ve done in the past. I’m just going to keep being the same player I’ve been year after year.”

That player is one of the most accomplished in baseball history. At just 26, Soto boasts a career on-base percentage surpassed only by legends like Mickey Mantle and Jimmie Foxx at the same age. Among active players with at least 200 home runs, 500 RBIs, and 700 walks, Soto is the youngest by over six years.

“He’s different,” Barnes said. “Everything about https://www.storenymets.com/collections/frankie-montas-jersey him is different. You don’t get a contract like his unless you’re special.”

That contract—a record-breaking $765 million deal—surpasses even Shohei Ohtani’s $700 million agreement, thanks to its lack of heavy deferrals. Soto’s arrival mirrors Ohtani’s impact on the Dodgers, who transformed from a very good team to a dominant one with his addition. If Soto can deliver similar results, the buzz surrounding him will only grow.

“I’m thrilled to know where I’ll be for the next 15 years,” Soto said. “I’m excited to be part of this group. I’ve heard great things about them, and I can’t wait to see how everything unfolds.”

As Soto settles into his new home, the Mets and their fans are hopeful that his presence will be the catalyst for a new era of success.

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — The atmosphere at the Mets’ Clover Park complex shifted dramatically on Sunday as Juan Soto, the team’s newest superstar, made his grand entrance. It’s been at least a decade—perhaps longer—since Port St. Lucie witnessed a spectacle of this magnitude. From the moment Soto stepped out of his car, the excitement was palpable. A cameraman who had been stationed outside https://www.storenymets.com/collections/griffin-canning-jersey since 6:30 a.m. captured the scene, while a crowd of media, photographers, and team staff trailed Soto as he moved through the facility. Even during routine stretches, fans lined the chain-link fence, eager to catch a glimpse of the Mets’ newest star. “Welcome to the team!” one fan shouted. “Bring us the glory!” While Soto’s 15-year journey with the Mets is just beginning, the expectations are sky-high. Owner Steve Cohen has already expressed hopes for multiple World Series titles during Soto’s tenure. For now, though, Soto is focused on building relationships, settling in, and making a strong first impression. “There’s definitely more cameras around,” manager Carlos Mendoza noted. “When he stepped onto the field and headed to the batting cage, you could feel the energy. Everyone stopped and watched. It was like, ‘Alright, he’s here.’” Soto’s first batting practice session didn’t disappoint. He launched a ball nearly to the top of the center-field batter’s eye and later cleared the fence with another swing—though he seemed unsatisfied with the latter. “He’s just a monster,” hitting coach Jeremy Barnes remarked. This level of excitement is rare for the Mets. Francisco Lindor’s arrival in 2021 was significant, but it occurred during the pandemic, limiting the fanfare. Yoenis Céspedes brought his own brand of spectacle in the past, but he wasn’t a new addition at the time. The last comparable introduction might have been Johan Santana’s arrival in 2008, when he was seen as the missing piece for a championship-caliber team. Like Santana, Soto joins a talented roster that came within two wins of the National League pennant last year. His presence suggests the Mets could be even stronger in 2025. However, Soto was quick to temper expectations during his 20-minute press conference. “I don’t think I have to be *The Guy*,” Soto said, referencing the team’s deep roster of All-Stars. “I’m not trying to do more than I’ve done in the past. I’m just going to keep being the same player I’ve been year after year.” That player is one of the most accomplished in baseball history. At just 26, Soto boasts a career on-base percentage surpassed only by legends like Mickey Mantle and Jimmie Foxx at the same age. Among active players with at least 200 home runs, 500 RBIs, and 700 walks, Soto is the youngest by over six years. “He’s different,” Barnes said. “Everything about https://www.storenymets.com/collections/frankie-montas-jersey him is different. You don’t get a contract like his unless you’re special.” That contract—a record-breaking $765 million deal—surpasses even Shohei Ohtani’s $700 million agreement, thanks to its lack of heavy deferrals. Soto’s arrival mirrors Ohtani’s impact on the Dodgers, who transformed from a very good team to a dominant one with his addition. If Soto can deliver similar results, the buzz surrounding him will only grow. “I’m thrilled to know where I’ll be for the next 15 years,” Soto said. “I’m excited to be part of this group. I’ve heard great things about them, and I can’t wait to see how everything unfolds.” As Soto settles into his new home, the Mets and their fans are hopeful that his presence will be the catalyst for a new era of success.