New York Mets outfielder Juan Soto qualifies as a high-profile All-Star snub, but he did not garner much sympathy for himself with recent comments he made about missing the game.
Soto was perhaps the most high-profile player left off the National League roster for the upcoming game in Atlanta. After Tuesday’s 7-6 win over Baltimore, the outfielder was asked if he was disappointed to not be selected, and he indicated he was.
“I think it’s a lot of money on the table if I make it,” Soto said.
Juan Soto was asked if he would have liked to have made the All-Star team:
— SNY (@SNYtv) July 9, 2025
"What do you think? I think it's a lot of money on the table if I make it" pic.twitter.com/OTkqmR6zVx
Soto, of course, signed a $765 million deal with the Mets in the offseason. Any All-Star bonus he receives is a paltry part of that, and many felt it made Soto sound greedy only motivated to make the game for the financial benefits.
Among Soto’s critics are New York Yankees broadcaster Michael Kay, who used his show Wednesday to blast Soto for his comments.
“Talk about being tone-deaf. Come on,” Kay said. “The last I looked, you’re making a smidge under $47 million this season, and you’re upset that you’re not making the All-Star Game because of an All-Star bonus that you have in your contract? Do you know how bad that looks? What kind of expenditures do you have?”
ICYMI on The Michael Kay Show on @880ESPNNewYork:@RealMichaelKay reacts to Juan Soto’s comments about not making the All-Star game. pic.twitter.com/lmBnJvWnES
— ESPN New York (@ESPNNewYork) July 9, 2025
There is a very strong case to be made that Soto should be an All-Star. He has picked up his numbers lately, even as the Mets have struggled to start July. He keeps stumbling by making ill-advised comments, though, and that will not necessarily play well in New York.
Soto is hitting .269 with 21 home runs on the season and was the NL Player of the Month for June. He will be making a ton of money whether he is on the All-Star team or not.
