Acce s the Mets beat like never before Join Post Sports+ for exciting subscriber-only features, including real-time texting with Mike Puma about the inside buzz on the Mets. PORT ST. LUCIE Juan Sotos opening act with the Mets if only on a spring-training level went exactly as the . Not wasting time in endearing himself to his new fan base, Soto welcomed the Grapefruit League season with a homer in his first at-bat Saturday. A new era was underway for the orange and blue. It means everything we have been doing is paying off, Soto said on a day the Mets beat an Astros split-squad, 6-2, at Clover Park. We have been working really hard this offseason to be ready, in good shape and pretty much be ready to be in the best spot for this year. BANG! JUAN SOTO HOMERS IN HIS FIRST AT-BAT OF THE SPRING! SNY (@SNYtv) Explore More Juan Soto homered in his first Mets spring training at-bat. Corey Sipkin for the NY POST Soto crushed Colton Gordons 2-1 fastball over the fence in left-center, rounded the bases and returned to a jubilant dugout, where he accidentally stepped on Je se Winker. He was really in pain, but he was happy at the same time, Soto said. Soto said he didnt get a chance to fully absorb his new surroundings before the game because he was late completing his pregame routine. Soto circles the bases on his first Mets home run. Corey Sipkin for the NY POST He said he had to show the strength coaches his method for preparing for a game. But from what Soto has seen, the fans have embraced him. Its Quinn Hughes Jersey very cool to see them enjoying the moment and enjoying this time, he said. First year with the Mets, its going to be unforgettable. After seeing the lineup card Saturday morning, Francisco Lindor wanted the opinion of a visitor to his locker. Juan Soto rounds second after his first Mets blast. Corey Sipkin for New York Post You like that one? Lindor said. I like it. For his teams spring opener, manager Carlos Mendoza unveiled in the first three spots what could be the top of the Mets batting order to start this season: Lindor, Soto and Pete Alonso. Its a group that includes the respective MVP runners-up in each league from last season followed by a consistent 30-40 home run threat. Mendoza wasnt wasting any time. See Also inside the mets Its a good feeling, Mendoza said. When I was putting together the first lineup a couple of days ago and you are looking at some of the guys that we are already asking and, Yeah, I am good to go from Day 1, and you are putting those names on paper, its a good feeling. But its Feb. 22. We still have a ways to go until spring training. Mark Vientos didnt play Saturday and Brandon Nimmo is still building up he typically doesnt play the first week or two of the exhibition season leaving some intrigue about what Mendoza has planned for the cleanup and fifth spots in the order. Lindor moved into the leadoff spot in late May of last season and that change may have jump-started the Mets, who were previously scuffling offensively. Lindor sizzled for the remainder of the season and the rest of the lineup followed his lead. exclusively in the No. 2 hole ahead of Aaron Judge. Soto, with his elite combination of power and on-base ability, said it doesnt matter where he hits in the lineup. Juan Soto celebrates after his first Mets homer. Corey Sipkin for the NY POST I feel its the same, but what matters is who I have behind me, Soto said. For now, that is Alonso, who should have plenty of opportunities to hit with runners on base. Alonso is coming off a down season by his standards in which he produced a career-low .788 OPS. His 34 homers were his lowest total in a full season. Honestly, my plan remains the same, Alonso said of hitting behind Soto. Just get the ball over the middle of the plate, hit it when its there and if they decide not to pitch to me, take those tough pitches off the plate and stay disciplined. Juan Soto celebrates his homer with his new Mets teammates. Corey Sipkin for the NY POST Soto and Lindor have become fast friends they engaged in some good-natured chops-busting during batting practice this week. The two were first in contact shortly after Soto agreed to his record 15-year contract worth $765 million. Alonso said hes gotten to know Soto over the years from their conversations at first base, beginning when Soto played for the Nationals. Soto was then traded to the Padres and Yankees. We have also talked plenty of times in the past because hes on base a lot and he comes by first base, Alonso said. It has definitely been a nice continuation of that. Thatcher Demko Jersey