Juan Soto hitting leadoff for first time with Mets in Rockies opener

The New York Mets are entering their three-game series against the Colorado Rockies with a brutal 12-22 record. Manager Carlos Mendoza has now made a crucial change to the lineup in hopes of eliciting a spark.

Outfielder Juan Soto will be batting leadoff on Monday, via the team’s official lineup card. It’s the first time Soto has hit leadoff for the Mets and only the third time he has occupied the role in his career, via Talkin’ Baseball.

The Mets were swept by the Rockies last time the two teams faced off. With the matchup now moving to Coors Field, New York hopes fortune turns in their favor. If they’re serious about returning to playoff contention, they at least need to prove they can beat the Rockies.

The franchise will now see how Soto’s move to the leadoff spot affects the offseason. New York has dealt with plenty of injuries in 2026. Still, they’re entering Monday’s matchup ranked 29th in the league with 118 runs scored. Mendoza felt something needed to change before the Mets continued spiraling.

Over the 19 games Soto has appeared in in 2026, the four-time All-Star is hitting .314 with three home runs, eight RBIs and a stolen base. When healthy, the Mets are relying on Soto to be a catalyst of their offense. Now, he’ll have an opportunity to do so at the top of the lineup.

After Monday’s game, Mendoza will have a better idea of how the new lineup configuration looks. If the Mets come out with a win, perhaps Soto will stay in the leadoff spot beyond Monday.

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