Mets' Juan Soto Praises 'Nasty' Josh Hader After Game-Ending Strikeout vs. Astros

Juan Soto's first game with the New York Mets ended with a strikeout against Houston Astros closer Josh Hader.

After the game, Soto had high praise for Hader.

"He's one of the best closers in the league," Soto said. "His stuff is nasty, everything he does, he's really smart on the mound. I think that's why he's still been so effective."

The Mets had runners on the corners with two outs and were down two in the top of the ninth inning when Soto came to the plate. With a 3-2 count, Hader delivered an 86 mph slider with plenty of break to get Soto to chase.

Hader pitched one inning, giving up a run but collecting two strikeouts and earning the save.

The 30-year-old is coming off another strong season. In his first year with the Astros in 2024, he recorded a 3.80 ERA and 0.96 WHIP with 105 strikeouts and 34 saves.

Hader, a five-time All-Star and three-time NL Reliever of the Year, had a good start to the season on Thursday and will look to continue striking out batters and picking up saves this year.

In his Mets debut, Soto went 1-for-3 with a pair of walks. It wasn't the best performance, but it could have gone worse. Still, New York will be looking for more from the star moving forward.

Expectations are high for the Mets heading into the season after reaching the NLCS last year and following it up with a productive winter. New York signed Soto to a record 15-year, $765 million deal before re-signing star first baseman Pete Alonso.

The wins will come for Soto and the Mets eventually, but Hader spoiled Soto's debut on Thursday.