Another game, another hit for Juan Soto. What’s become a regular occurrence throughout the New York Mets right fielder’s career was a milestone moment on Thursday.
Soto hit a two-out single to right field in the first inning against Atlanta Braves starter Spencer Strider. The hit was the 1,000th of his storied career.
Soto joined some exclusive company in reaching the mark.
More than 23,500 players have appeared in an MLB game throughout the sport’s history. Just 84 of those, or 0.3 percent, recorded 1,000 hits before turning 27 years old.
Seventeen of those 84 reached the 1,000-hit mark and smashed 200 home runs.
Just two accumulated 1,000 hits, 200 homers and 700 walks. New York Giants right fielder Mel Ott was the first. New York Yankees center fielder Mickey Mantle would later join him.
Soto is the first with more than 800 walks. (He’s earned 830 free passes.)
The superstar doesn’t turn 27 until late October.
Soto’s superior offensive talent — and the consistency he’s demonstrated throughout his eight-year career — were prime reasons why he’s been in such demand. Traded twice for blockbuster packages, Soto was the sport’s most sought-after free agent this past offseason before signing an MLB-record $756 million contract to join the Mets.
His tenure in Queens got off to a slow start, but Soto was batting .248/.387/.462 (144 OPS+) with 14 homers and 37 RBI through 328 plate appearances, entering play on Thursday. The Mets, with a 45-30 record, sit in first place in the NL East.
