New York Mets superstar Juan Soto, the team's $765 million cornerstone, finds himself on the Injured List early in the 2026 season, dealing with a calf strain. The perennial MVP candidate suffered the injury while running the bases against the San Francisco Giants on April 3, forcing an early exit from the game.

Fortunately for the Mets and their fans, the diagnosis appears to be a mild strain. While the team initially hoped Soto could avoid the IL, they ultimately opted for a cautious approach, placing him on the 10-day list. Recovery from such an injury typically takes 1-3 weeks, and the Mets are expected to be patient with their prized investment.

Mets manager Carlos Mendoza emphasized the team's careful strategy, stating, "There is no reason to push it here... These are tricky, the calf area. We just decided, 'You know what? Take your time.'" This suggests a return timeline targeting late April, potentially between the 20th and the 27th, depending on his recovery progress.

Soto's absence is a significant blow, as he was off to a scorching start this season. His injury has also impacted the betting markets; his National League MVP odds have drifted from around +650 before the injury to +1200 at Fanatics Sportsbook, though he still trails only Shohei Ohtani and Ronald Acuña Jr. in the current odds. His swift return will be crucial for the Mets as they look to solidify their postseason aspirations.