Soto Homers, Holmes Perfect In Mets Spring Training Opener

On Saturday, the New York Mets took the field to play a baseball game for the first time since Game 6 of the 2024 National League Championship series.

Their first game of spring training against the Houston Astros comes with excitement and high expectations in a packed house at Clover Park, especially with the debut of their big free-agent acquisition, Juan Soto. As well as the debut of new starting pitcher Clay Holmes. Both would leave a mark in their spring training action as Mets as New York won 6-2.

Juan Soto Homers

The most anticipated player to take the field in a Mets uniform in recent team history, Soto immediately endeared himself to Mets fans in Port St. Lucie. Soto took the field in the top of the 1st inning in right field to a big ovation from Mets fans, and he returned the favor with a wave and applause. Then, in the bottom half of the frame, Soto gave the fans what could be a taste of what’s to come. On a 2-1 count, Soto took an inside fastball from Houston left-hander Colton Gordon to left-center field for a home run to give the Mets an early 1-0 lead. It was a vintage Soto home run taking a pitch the other way, and that is what makes him such a good hitter. Even if it’s just an exhibition, Soto gave the fans a cool treat.

Clay Holmes Goes A Perfect Three Innings

In the middle of Soto’s day, Holmes’s performance was also encouraging. Holmes begins his transition from reliever to starter as a Met. With the goal of using his skillset to give them innings as a ground ball pitcher. The plan was for Holmes to pitch three innings and 40-45 pitches. On Saturday, he looked impressive. Holmes threw 34 pitches, 26 for strikes, in his three innings of work and struck out three batters. He was also able to matriculate four ground ball outs. Holmes utilized his slider and sinker and his new “kick changeup”. New York will need Holmes to give them innings with Frankie Montas’ injury.

Player Of The Game: Juan Soto

It’s only spring training, but it’s hard not to love what you saw from Soto in his unofficial debut with the team. His home run set the tone for New York on the afternoon in their 6-2 win, and he gave fans something to look forward to when the regular season begins. 

On Deck:

The Mets will have a split-squad day tomorrow. One squad will head to West Palm Beach to play the Washington Nationals. Ty Adcock will pitch for the Mets against Washington’s Shinnosuke Ogasawara. Over in Port St. Lucie, the second squad will play the Miami Marlins as Max Krenick takes the mound for the Mets against Sandy Alcantara. That game will be telecast locally on SNY at 1:10 PM EST.

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