Sun Feb 23 20:50:00 UTC 2025: ## Soto Launches Mets’ Spring Training with a Bang, Homering in First At-Bat
**PORT ST. LUCIE, FL –** New York Mets fans got a glimpse of the future Saturday as star acquisition Juan Soto blasted a 426-foot home run in his very first at-bat of spring training. Facing Houston Astros pitcher Colton Gordon, Soto sent the fourth pitch soaring over the center field wall at Clover Park, giving the Mets an early 1-0 lead.
The $765 million man continued his hot start in the second inning, hitting a fielder’s choice that drove in Brett Baty, extending the Mets’ lead to 3-0. Baty, incidentally, recently received a new Chevy Tahoe courtesy of Soto.
The 26-year-old outfielder, who boasts 179 career home runs, has shown significant power in recent seasons, hitting 63 home runs and driving in 218 runs over the past two years with the San Diego Padres and Washington Nationals. Batting between Francisco Lindor and Pete Alonso in the Mets’ lineup, Soto’s performance provided an encouraging start to the spring for a team eager to see him consistently deliver such impactful plays. The early showing certainly hinted at the kind of offensive firepower the Mets hope to unleash during the regular season.
First Piper 