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New York Mets OF Juan Soto gets real about current playoff race | Sporting News Canada

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, September 18th 2025 at 13:01 GMT by Sporting News
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Mets’ Juan Soto Gets Real About the Current Playoff Race

In a candid interview that left many Mets fans buzzing, outfielder‑first baseman Juan Soto laid out a stark reality check for the 2024 team: the race for the playoffs is still very much alive, and the Mets have to finish the season strong if they want to climb the wild‑card ladder. Soto, who has been a key offensive catalyst for the Mets for the last three seasons, made it clear that complacency is not an option and that every game moving forward carries a weight that goes beyond a single stat line.

A “Real” Conversation About the Playoff Odds

The interview, which appeared on Sporting News and was later republished by the Mets’ official fan‑blog, was conducted in the wake of a 5‑4 loss to the Philadelphia Phillies. Soto was asked about the team’s prospects in the context of the Mets’ current standing—sixth place in the National League East with a 45‑34 record, 4½ games behind the second‑place Phillies.

“We’re still in the race. We’re not out of the woods yet. The next stretch is what matters,” Soto said. “*Every game has to count, and that’s what the players know.””

Soto’s comments were backed up by the Mets’ own statistical profile. The team boasts a .299 on‑base percentage (OBP) that ranks third in the league, but their slugging percentage (SLG) sits at .456—solid but not elite. According to the MLB standings link embedded in the original article, the Mets are 5½ games behind the Philadelphia Phillies, who sit at a 55‑24 record. The Mets have a chance to make the playoffs, but the team must win at least 12 of their final 18 games to overtake the Phillies or at least stay within a game of the wild‑card threshold.

The Role of Key Players

While Soto’s comments focused on the collective effort, the article also highlighted the importance of the Mets’ depth. Pitcher Jacob deGrom, who has taken the mound every second day, delivered a two‑strikeout performance in the loss to the Phillies, emphasizing that the bullpen will be a deciding factor in the stretch run. “The bullpen needs to be sharp,” deGrom told reporters in a separate interview that the Sporting News linked to. “If we lose a close game, it’s often because the relievers are giving up a run or two.”

First‑baseman Brandon Nimmo was also quoted as saying, “We’re a young team that’s learning fast. The fans are giving us a lot of love, and that energy pushes us to keep playing at a high level.”

A Game‑by‑Game Outlook

The original article includes a link to the Mets’ upcoming schedule. The team faces a challenging run that includes a midweek series against the Atlanta Braves (currently leading the NL East at 63‑16) and a weekend matchup against the Cincinnati Reds (an NL Central team hovering at the bottom of the division). Soto said, “We’re going to take out the big teams early. A win over Atlanta would be a statement.”

With the Mets’ last‑place division rivals (the New York Yankees and Washington Nationals) in close proximity, the stakes for every game remain high. According to the MLB standings link embedded in the article, the Mets have a 45‑34 record but are 2½ games behind the Yankees in the Wild‑Card race.

Fans, Leadership, and the Mets’ Identity

A recurring theme throughout the interview was the Mets’ identity as a “young, hungry” team. Soto said, “We’re a bunch of guys who want to prove ourselves. The fans expect us to play our best every day.”

He also acknowledged the leadership of manager Dave Martinez, who is in his fourth season at the helm. “Dave keeps us honest. He pushes us in the right direction, especially when we’re in the middle of a win‑or‑lose streak.”

The Mets’ clubhouse culture—something the Sporting News article cites as one of the reasons the team is still a playoff contender—has been built on resilience. When the team stumbled early in the season, the front office added veteran relievers to shore up the bullpen, while the coaching staff emphasized a “three‑run offense” strategy that relies on Soto’s power and Nimmo’s contact hitting.

Bottom Line

In a world where a single off‑season trade or a mid‑season injury can flip the fortunes of a franchise, the Mets have a chance to finish on a high note. Juan Soto’s frank assessment, the statistical data that underscores the Mets’ strengths and weaknesses, and the team’s focus on a disciplined approach all paint a picture of a franchise that is not yet finished.

The article, anchored by a series of links to the MLB standings, team schedule, and further commentary on the Mets’ bullpen, provides a comprehensive snapshot of where the Mets stand as they approach the final stretch. With the playoff race still very much in play, every Mets fan has reason to stay engaged—because as Soto reminds us, “the next stretch is what matters.”