Juan Soto, the Dominican outfielder who in 2025 secured the most lucrative contract in professional sports history, has reaffirmed his commitment to represent the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic (WBC) in March 2026.
Speaking in an exclusive interview on the program “Siendo Honestos,” hosted by Katherine Hernández on CDN Channel 37, the New York Mets star discussed the unique pressure of his new status, his desire to play alongside fellow Dominican superstars, and the family traditions that keep him grounded.
Despite his massive success in Major League Baseball, Soto was unequivocal about the significance of the WBC. “Nothing compares to the World Baseball Classic,” Soto stated. “You see an entire stadium full of the Dominican Republic flag. That is something truly beautiful.”
For Soto, the tournament represents a unique convergence of talent and patriotism. He expressed excitement about the prospect of a roster stacked with high-caliber players. “It will be a beautiful experience to play with guys like [Fernando] Tatis, with Vladdy [Guerrero Jr.], with so many figures. They bring to the game a different atmosphere,” he said.
While acknowledging that in a short tournament “anything can happen,” Soto emphasized the symbolic weight of the uniform and the feeling that “the entire Dominican Republic is supporting you.”
Managing the weight of expectation
Soto’s interview comes on the heels of a historic offseason that saw him sign with the New York Mets. He addressed the inevitable pressure that accompanies such a high-profile deal, admitting that the expectations are immense.
“It’s not easy,” Soto admitted. “Everyone expects something from you. Everyone expects you to be the best always. And that’s not going to happen. No one is perfect.”
However, rather than letting the pressure stifle him, Soto uses it as motivation. “That encourages me and pushes me to keep moving forward,” he noted, adding that baseball remains “90% mental” and that navigating the highs and lows requires internal fortitude.
“At the end of the day, money isn’t everything,” Soto said, pointing instead to his desire to build a legacy defined by MVPs, Gold Gloves, Silver Sluggers, and a potential path to the Hall of Fame.
Despite his global stardom, Soto’s holidays remain strictly traditional. He detailed his family’s custom of gathering on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, regardless of where they are located.
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Siendo Honestos
El Caribe
29 December 2025