Mets vs Orioles: Will Juan Soto’s All-Star Snub Fuel His Performance Against Baltimore’s Pitching?

As the New York Mets face the Baltimore Orioles in a crucial interleague series, all eyes are on Juan Soto following his surprising All-Star snub. The slugger, who leads the NL in offensive WAR (.401 OBP, 21 HRs), has been on a tear since June, making his omission from the Midsummer Classic one of MLB’s biggest head-scratchers.

With the Mets riding a four-game winning streak and Soto fueling their July offensive surge (34 runs in 6 games), this series could be his statement opportunity. Baltimore’s pitching staff, fresh off sweeping Atlanta, now faces the unenviable task of containing a motivated Soto in Camden Yards.

Will Juan Soto Crush Orioles Pitching After All-Star Snub?

The New York Mets head into their series against the Baltimore Orioles with Juan Soto riding a hot streak, despite his surprising omission from the All-Star Game. Soto’s recent performance suggests he’s using the snub as motivation, having posted a .396 OBP (4th in MLB) and .904 OPS (7th in NL) while earning NL Player of the Month honors in June. Baltimore’s pitching staff, ranked 23rd in ERA, could be in for a long night against Soto’s disciplined approach.

The Orioles’ bullpen has particularly struggled against left-handed hitters like Soto, surrendering a .265 average this season. With his trademark patience and power, Soto could feast on Baltimore’s pitching staff. His 72 walks (NL leader) demonstrate his ability to control at-bats, while his 21 home runs show he can punish mistakes.

How Mets Starting Rotation Matches Up Against Orioles’ Lineup

New York’s patchwork rotation faces a Baltimore team that ranks middle-of-the-pack offensively (15th in runs scored). David Peterson takes the mound in Game 1 coming off two quality starts, while the Orioles counter with veteran Charlie Morton. The key matchup will be how Mets pitchers handle Baltimore’s young core of Adley Rutschman (.842 OPS) and Gunnar Henderson (18 HR).

Pitching Probables for the Series

• Game 1: Peterson (NYM) vs Morton (BAL)
• Game 2: Holmes (NYM) vs Sugano (BAL)
• Game 3: TBD vs Soto (BAL)

Can Mets Continue Their July Turnaround?

After a disastrous 3-13 stretch in late June, the Mets have scored 34 runs in six July games. The offense finally appears synchronized, with Alonso (.521 SLG) and Lindor (65 RBI) complementing Soto’s resurgence. Baltimore’s 4.82 team ERA presents an opportunity for New York to build momentum heading into the break.

Orioles’ Defensive Weaknesses Mets Should Exploit

Baltimore’s -12 Defensive Runs Saved ranks 25th in MLB, with particular vulnerability in right field (-9 DRS). This aligns perfectly with Soto’s spray chart, where he drives many hits to the opposite field. The Mets’ patient approach could force Orioles pitchers into mistakes against Camden Yards’ hitter-friendly dimensions.

Why Soto’s All-Star Snub Makes No Sense

Soto leads NL right fielders in WAR (3.8), Offensive WAR (4.0) and walks (72) while ranking 2nd in OBP (.401). His balanced production exceeds many All-Star selections, suggesting voters penalized him for April’s slow start. When evaluating his full body of work, Soto clearly deserves to be heading to Seattle for the Midsummer Classic.

Old Bay Rivalry: Fun Subplots to Watch

Beyond the baseball, this interleague series features amusing off-field elements. The Mets reportedly stocked up on Baltimore’s famous Old Bay seasoning, playfully leaning into the regional rivalry. Meanwhile, Orioles fans typically give extra attention to NL East opponents, creating a lively Camden Yards atmosphere despite Baltimore’s disappointing season.

What Mets Need for Series Win

1. Quality starts from patchwork rotation
2. Soto/Lindor/Alonso middle-of-the-order production
3. Bullpen maintaining recent improved form