When the 2025 All-Star Game roster came out, some were left scratching their heads. Because one prominent player was missing. Juan Soto, the Mets’ $765 million bat, was on the outside looking in as his teammates got ready for the midsummer classic. But the actual shock came from how he chose to react after the snub.

Juan Soto’s answer in Baltimore set off a media firestorm. When asked about missing the All-Star game, he responded, “It’s a lot of money on the table if I make it,” referring to the $100,000 bonus. The comment hung in the air like a foul tip on a fastball. It was unexpected, poorly timed, and impossible to ignore. And this Yankee broadcaster didn’t mince a word.

Michael Kay, the Yankees’ voice, gave a harsh review on his podcast, The Michael Kay Show. “Instead of saying, ‘Yeah, I like to be among the best…,’ here is what Juan Soto said… ‘I think it’s a lot of money on the table if I make it.’ Oh goodness gracious! Talk about being tone deaf! Come on, Juan! The last I looked, I didn’t put that much research into it, you’re making a smidge under 47 million dollars 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.” 

MLB All-Star bonuses are between $100k and $500k. That bonus is nothing compared to his deal, which pays him around $47 million this year and an average of $51 million every year.

Before expressing his disappointment, Kay argued that Soto is “the very definition of an All-Star.” With an OPS of over .900, Soto’s remark about not getting that money, despite his historic contract, kinda took us all off guard.

Kay further expressed his disbelief. “There’s no way that he said that!… He’s a smart dude, and he’s represented by one of the smartest people I’ve ever met in the business, Scott Boras, would ever say something like, what a dumb AI thing to do.” But then he checked that particular interview on SNY, and it was there!

Juan Soto’s comments felt like having Einstein and Hawking next to you and still tipping over loose change. All Michael Kay focused on was how bad these comments reflect on Soto’s reputation, while urging people, especially the Metsies, to “talk as rational adults… Can you understand what I’m saying, how bad that looks!”

But despite it all, the voice from the Mets dugout focused on his talent instead of what he said.

Dugout speaks up: Mendoza & Lindor back Juan Soto

The broadcaster’s criticism hit deeply. But skipper Carlos Mendoza and Francisco Lindor turned the focus back to Soto’s great work. They focused on how a player with that ability can miss out on the All-Star Game.

Soto was in charge of everything in June. He was hitting .322/.474/.722, 11 home runs, 20 RBIs, 25 walks, and 25 runs scored. He was named the NL Player of the Month. Michael Kay, too, pointed that out. It indeed felt like an All-Star. He is the only Met since 1987 to hit at least 10 home runs and walk 20 times in the same month.

Yet, he missed out on the All-Star team.

Carlos Mendoza exclaimed, “He’s an All‑Star for us. It’s frustrating, but I’m hoping in the next couple of days we hear something and he makes it.” And he wasn’t alone there…

Shortstop Francisco Lindor made it clear, too. “I hope he ends up making it. I hope he gets the recognition that he deserves… He belongs in the All‑Star Game. Hopefully… there’s an opportunity for him.”

Well, there is still a chance he can become a part of the All-Star team, especially with Acuna facing back tightness. But whether he catches that break or not, his recent reactions have definitely hit a chord with the community. How did you feel when you first came across his words?