New York Mets right fielder Juan Soto (22) watches the ball after hitting a home run during the third inning against the Houston Astros at Daikin Park. Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

Watch: Juan Soto clobbers first home run with Mets

By Seth Carlson | Last updated Mar 28, 2025 9:49 PM ET

Juan Soto's first game with the New York Mets ended in anti-climactic fashion, as he struck out with runners on the corners against Houston Astros closer Josh Hader in a hugely consequential ninth inning at-bat.

That dampened an otherwise solid debut game from the $765 million outfielder, who walked twice and notched his first base hit in his first five plate appearances as a Met.

But you can only keep a superstar down for so long.

That's what transpired on Friday, as the 26-year-old Soto destroyed a home run to right field off Astros right-hander Hunter Brown at Daikin Park. The 390-foot-long ball left the bat at 107.3 mph, in what could be categorized as a true missile.

LAUNCHED. pic.twitter.com/6U20dpuazW
— New York Mets (@Mets) March 29, 2025

That power is exactly what the Mets signed up for when they agreed to ink Soto to the largest contract in the history of North American professional sports this past winter.

It's no secret that Soto will need to be a force for New York to compete in a crowded National League East division with the Atlanta Braves and Philadelphia Phillies, let alone the league as a whole, which features the defending champion Los Angeles Dodgers, among others.

Therefore, Soto's home run in Houston should merely be the appetizer to bigger and better things for the Mets in 2025.

If nothing else, however, the pressure and expectations have already been built in.

Seth Carlson

Seth Carlson is an experienced writer and editor based in the NYC area with a particular love for all things baseball. He has a demonstrated history of delivering insightful analysis and engaging content across multiple outlets and industries. Seth brings his expertise and commitment to high-quality coverage to Yardbarker’s readers.

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