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NY Mets' star duo write their names in the history books with rare feat

Francisco Lindor and Juan Soto added their names to the history books with an achievement extremely few teams have ever accomplished.
ByNoah Wright|
Jun 3, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; New York Mets outfielder Juan Soto (22) reacts with shortstop Francisco Lindor (12) after hitting a two run home run against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the third inning at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Jun 3, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; New York Mets outfielder Juan Soto (22) reacts with shortstop Francisco Lindor (12) after hitting a two run home run against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the third inning at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images | Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

The New York Mets kept their Postseason hopes alive for another day with an 8-5 win over the Chicago Cubs on Thursday. One of the most significant contributors to the Mets' win was shortstop Francisco Lindor. The veteran switch-hitter hit his 30th home run of the season, giving him his second 30/30 season of his career, as he also has 31 swipes on the year. However, this home run put the 2025 Mets among some elite company, as they are just the third team all-time with multiple 30/30 players.

The other player on the Mets who has had a 30/30 season is Juan Soto. Soto is having one of the most shocking 30/30 seasons of all time. Soto currently has 43 home runs and 36 stolen bases. He's been able to steal that many bases while being a well below-average runner. He is in just the 13th percentile of sprint speed, making him the slowest player ever to steal at least 30 bags (in the Statcast Era). He is getting on base at a .396 clip, so he's giving himself plenty of opportunities to steal bases.

The last team to reach this milestone was the 1996 Colorado Rockies. Both Dante Bichette and Ellis Burks had outstanding seasons. Bichette went yard 31 times, with the same amount of stolen bases. Meanwhile, Burks went yard a whopping 40 times with 32 stolen bases. Burks also led the league in total bases, with 392, making his stolen base total that much more impressive. Ironically, the other team to achieve this feat is the Mets.

Juan Soto and Francisco Lindor join elite (and extremely rare company) with their newest feat.

In 1987, the Mets had two players achieve a 30/30 season. One was Darryl Strawberry. The superstar outfielder at the time was one of the best players in his game, even in his age-25 season. He nearly had a 40/40 campaign, as he hit 39 home runs with 36 stolen bases. He was caught stealing a dozen times. Third baseman Howard Johnson joined Strawberry in the 30/30 club. He hit 36 dingers while swiping 32 bags.

One could even argue that Lindor and Soto are the most productive 30/30 duo among the three. They have a combined 11.7 bWAR, with 73 home runs, and 66 stolen bases. Burks and Bichette only combined for 8.6 bWAR, with 71 homers, and 63 steals. Johnson and Strawberry are arguably just as good, with 10.8 bWAR, 75 homers, and 68 stolen bases. However, Soto and Lindor have more bWAR, and they may surpass Johnson and Strawberry in homers and/or stolen bases before the season ends, especially if they keep playing like they have recently.

Having multiple 30/30 players on the same team is one of the hardest feats a team can achieve. For reference, it's nearly as rare as a team winning 115 or more games, which has only happened twice in baseball history. Hopefully, Soto and Lindor have done enough to help the Mets sneak into the playoffs after the team's collapse earlier in September.

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