Juan Soto played a crucial role in the Dominican Republic‘s overwhelming 12–1 victory over the Netherlands in the 2026 World Baseball Classic, finishing the game with a decisive home run. After the win, Soto drew attention by focusing his praise on his national team rather than his current Major League Baseball club, the New York Mets. His comments highlighted the unique connection and pride he feels representing the Dominican Republic on the global stage.
Soto Reflects on Past MLB Experiences with Nationals and Yankees
Reflecting on his baseball journey, Juan Soto pointed to the 2019 and 2024 seasons as highlights, mentioning those years as some of the most enjoyable teams he has played with. The 2019 season saw him capturing a World Series title with the Washington Nationals, his only championship so far. In 2024, Soto came close again during his time with the New York Yankees but ultimately fell short as the Dodgers claimed the title. Soto’s focus on these teams, while omitting any mention of the Mets, signals where his most meaningful baseball memories lie.
“2019 and 2024—those were really fun teams I played with, but this has to be top of the top.” Juan Soto said during his postgame media availability.
“You have the whole family, the whole Dominican Republic, cheering for you.” Juan Soto said during his postgame media availability.
The 2026 Dominican Republic Squad Boasts Exceptional Talent and Chemistry
The current Dominican Republic roster is considered by many to be one of the strongest teams the country has ever fielded at the WBC. Featuring superstar veterans such as Juan Soto, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., and Manny Machado, the lineup offers extraordinary offensive power and experience. Combined, the position players on this team have earned 28 All-Star selections and 19 Silver Slugger awards, showcasing a rare concentration of elite talent.
But Soto emphasized that the team’s success goes beyond individual star power. According to him, the players’ cohesion is what makes the difference.
“There are so many superstars on this team, but we’re playing like friends, like a family. We’re playing like a team. Nobody wants to be the hero or do more than they’re supposed to. It’s fun to play like that.” Juan Soto said.
Guiding this star-studded squad is Albert Pujols, regarded as the greatest Dominican position player in history and serving as the team’s manager. Nelson Cruz, a seasoned veteran who has participated in four World Baseball Classics himself, holds the role of general manager. Their leadership has created the environment Soto praises and could serve as a model for how to manage talent effectively.
Juan Soto’s Silence on the 2025 Mets Highlights Frustrations
Notably absent from Soto’s reflections was any mention of his 2025 season with the New York Mets. His omission is understandable given the team’s disappointing campaign that year, which ended just short of the playoffs after a crucial loss to the Miami Marlins on the final day of the regular season. This contrast to his accomplishment-filled years with the Nationals and Yankees underscores a challenging year in Queens.
Lessons for the Mets from Soto’s Dominican Republic Experience
Juan Soto’s impressive start in this year’s World Baseball Classic—posting a .429 batting average with a home run—marks a significant improvement from his .263 average in the 2025 MLB season. This uptick coincides with the positive team dynamic created by the Dominican squad, which Soto credits for his strong performance.
Soto’s comments about the Dominican team’s harmony provide insights for the New York Mets, where fostering similar clubhouse chemistry could be key to maximizing his potential. Reports of tension within the Mets organization, particularly involving Soto and Francisco Lindor, suggest that such balance has been lacking.
Additionally, Soto has previously praised the lineup protection he enjoyed when hitting behind Aaron Judge during the 2024 season with the Yankees. The Mets aimed to replicate this dynamic by placing Pete Alonso in the lineup, but neither Alonso nor Judge is currently providing the same level of support. This difference might partly explain Soto’s frustrations and performance challenges during the 2025 season.
With these factors in mind, the Mets must rethink their approach to fully harness Juan Soto’s talents if they hope to build a competitive, cohesive team.
"2019 and 2024, those were really fun teams I played with, but this has to be top of the top. You have the whole family, the whole Dominican Republic cheering for you."@JuanSoto25_ joined @SieraSantos after a dominant 12-1 victory! #WorldBaseballClassic pic.twitter.com/bAth1PM4w8
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) March 8, 2026
