In a recent episode of the Siendo Honestos podcast, Juan Soto opened up about his journey in baseball, his choice to join the Mets, and his close-knit relationships with teammates. His candid conversation with host Katherine Hernández covered a wide range of topics, including his love for Dominican cuisine in New York City.
When discussing his decision to sign with the Mets, Soto revealed that the financial offers he received were strikingly similar. The real differences lay in the details of the contracts. Ultimately, he emphasized that it was a decision made as a family unit. "We all sat down, analyzed and checked what was best for me and my family, and that’s how we made the decision," he explained, underscoring the importance of family in his life.
Soto's commitment to family traditions shines through during the holiday season. He shared that no matter where they lived—be it a modest neighborhood or a more affluent area—his family always gathers at his mother’s house on Christmas Eve. "My mom always makes sure the whole family gets together on the 24th for dinner, to have a good time. It’s about enjoying each other’s company, regardless of our circumstances," he reflected, highlighting the warmth of familial bonds.
The camaraderie among the Mets players is also significant to Soto. He mentioned that the hitters maintain a group chat for constant communication, while the pitchers have their own separate chat. He described the team as youthful and vibrant, stating, "There’s something very nice about it; we have a very young group within the Mets. We always get along well and check in on each other’s feelings."
Both Soto and the Mets organization have acknowledged his determination to enhance his defensive skills in the outfield. During the Winter Meetings, manager Carlos Mendoza, along with the new bench coach Kai Correa, collaborated with Soto to establish a comprehensive training plan for his defense this offseason. Mendoza noted that Soto is eager to learn and improve, indicating his strong desire for coaching.
When posed with the question of whether offense or defense holds more weight in baseball, Soto wisely remarked, "People say that offense wins games, but defense wins championships. You can deduce from there the importance of both aspects."
Carlos Beltrán, a former Mets player and now a special assistant to the president of baseball operations, played a crucial role in helping Soto adjust to his new environment in Queens, especially during a challenging start to his tenure. Soto recalled Beltrán’s encouraging words during tough times: "He told me last year that whenever I was struggling, he reminded me to 'Always remember who you are.'" This advice clearly resonated with Soto as he navigates the pressures of professional baseball.
Reflecting on his upbringing in the Dominican Republic, Soto shared that his passion for baseball has always been motivated by pure enjoyment. However, his mother set clear boundaries, insisting that he prioritize his education in order to continue playing. Soto also mentioned influential figures like Manny Ramírez and Robinson Canó, whom he admired and emulated on the field. He expressed a deep sense of responsibility, saying, "I know I’ve opened many doors, not just for myself, but for athletes from the Dominican Republic. I feel my success has paved the way for future generations of baseball players. Many doubted that a Dominican could reach this level of achievement."
In the interview, Soto also touched on the impact of recent contracts signed by fellow Dominican players such as Fernando Tatís Jr., Vladimir Guerrero Jr., and Geraldo Perdomo. He believes these deals contribute significantly to the growing recognition and support for Dominican talent in Major League Baseball.
Finally, when asked about his favorite aspects of living in New York City, Soto couldn’t help but rave about the food scene. "There are so many amazing places to eat! I’ve explored areas like Washington Heights, Midtown, and the Lower East Side, all in search of great meals. I know many Dominicans who, after just 24 hours in New York, say, ‘I need a plate of rice!’ and head straight to Washington Heights, completely ignoring other parts of Manhattan."
This enlightening interview, originally conducted in Spanish, has been thoughtfully translated to share Soto’s insights and experiences with a broader audience.
