New York Mets stars Juan Soto and Devin Williams are both aiming to return from their respective injuries before the conclusion of the current season, with the shared goal of building momentum for the 2027 campaign. Soto, who has experienced multiple stints on the injured list this season due to calf strains, expressed frustration with his inability to play consistently.
"It sucks," Soto said Friday. "It's tough for me, tough to lose so many games. I've never been on this side of it." Soto, who has played at least 150 games in every full major league season prior to this one, believes the experience will ultimately benefit his long-term career by informing adjustments to his training and conditioning.
Despite the Mets' current standing, 11 1/2 games out of the final National League wild-card spot and possessing the third-worst record in the league, Soto indicated an eagerness to return to the field. The team had won six of seven games after the trade deadline before losing their last two. "We're playing really good baseball right now," Soto said. "Why not join this team? I think it's going to be really fun. It's going to be really great for me and the team." He added that the objective is to "finish strong and keep the momentum for next year."
Similarly, Devin Williams, the team's closer, who is dealing with a shoulder strain that required attention, also hopes to pitch again this season. Williams stated his intention to return, though he has not yet resumed throwing. "It would be nice to come back and go into the offseason with some positivity," Williams said. "And have some good outings before the inevitable."
Williams, who signed a three-year, $51 million deal, seeks to end his first season with the Mets on a high note. "I just want to get back and contribute a little bit, at least, and have a better taste in my mouth going into next year," he said. He acknowledged the team's struggles, noting, "We've had the pieces to be a really good team. We just haven't put it all together."
Looking ahead, Williams expressed optimism about the team's future. "Obviously, there's going to be some moves made this offseason," he said. "I think we go into next year with the same goal: to be competing to win the division, hopefully make the playoffs and have a chance to win the World Series."