The biggest story of the last Major League Baseball offseason was Juan Soto’s free agency.
Ultimately, the Dominican slugger signed with the New York Mets, leaving the New York Yankees, and has put together a special season in his first year in Queens.
Soto hit his 40th home run in the seventh inning of the Mets’ Saturday loss to the Texas Rangers. That made him the only player to record 40 home runs and 30 stolen bases in a single season for the New York Mets.
Soto has always had power; there was no doubt about that. However, 32 stolen bases through 148 games is a surprise. His previous career high in stolen bases was 12. Soto spoke on the achievement, but he and the Mets are more focused on trying to play meaningful baseball in October.
“It’s really impressive, but we have bigger things in front of us that we’ve got to go out there and get it,” Soto said after the game, per SNY.
Soto also joined Barry Bonds and Jeff Bagwell as the only players to record at least 40 home runs, 30 stolen bases and 100 walks in a season. Soto is showing why the Mets gave him a record-breaking contract, but he is also showing what type of threat he can be for the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic.
Soto has already made known his intention to represent the Dominican Republic again in the World Baseball Classic. In the 2023 World Baseball Classic, he had two home runs and three RBIs in four games. He slashed .400/.500/1.000, but his newfound presence on the basepaths could add a new dynamic to the Dominican Republic offense.
The Dominican Republic already figures to have a roster full of superstars. However, Soto is one of the best players in baseball, and if he can continue to steal bases like he has this season, the team could be even better than many expected.
Photo: Juan Soto reacts after hitting a home run during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Texas Rangers, Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
