​As the lone player representing the Mets at the All-Star break this year, Juan Soto had no competition when it came to media availability and answered a myriad of questions ranging from who he’s most looking forward to seeing over the course of the event to why New York struggled so mightily during the first half of the season despite such high expectations.To be clear, the Mets’ tumultuous season to date has nothing to do with Soto’s production as he has been the team’s MVP and was deservedly named an All-Star for the first time as a Met despite missing time early in the season with a calf injury.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementAn All-Star once again after missing out last season, Soto is excited to be back alongside the game’s best and to see players and even old teammates that he can talk to simply as friends as well as to pick their brains to get better himself.“It feels great to be a part of another All-Star [team],” he said. “It’s always great to see so many good players, so many guys that have been putting in the work to be who they are right now. It’s really cool to see.”With the spectacle taking place in Philadelphia at Citizens Bank Park, Soto is getting a chance to rekindle his relationship with former teammates with the Washington Nationals in Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber, now current Phillies.The outfielder had nothing but good things to say about each of them, even if they are rivals of the Mets.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement“I haven’t shared a locker room with [Harper] in a long time and Schwarber, all those guys,” Soto said. “I feel like we have such a great talent in that clubhouse, like you would love to be around them. I’m gonna try to pick their minds and see where they’re at.”With Harper and Schwarber both participating in Monday’s Home Run Derby as the hometown heroes, Soto stopped short of picking either of them to win it and instead went with last year’s runner-up and fellow Dominican Junior Caminero.As for who Soto is most looking forward to speaking with over the next couple of days, that’s Yordan Alvarez who is representing the Houston Astros in the opponent’s dugout.“I will find him,” Soto said.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementDespite the levity and distraction of the event this week, the issue of the Mets’ disappointing first half came up and Soto discussed what’s gone wrong in New York this summer while also defending his teammates regardless of the team’s record and the standings.May 21, 2026; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; New York Mets left fielder Juan Soto (22) and center fielder A.J. Ewing (9) and right fielder Carson Benge (3) celebrate after defeating the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park. / Brad Mills – Imagn Images“I’ve been trying my best to win games, to help my team,” he said. “It’s definitely not easy, I know how hard my team is working and I appreciate that they come in day in and day out. They never s