Juan Soto Turns Heads at WBC With “Fun Teams” Comments After Dominican Republic’s Win over Netherlands

Juan Soto's 2-run home run in the 7th inning against the Netherlands enforced the mercy-run rule and saw Dominican Republic claim a 12-1 win.

Juan Soto Turns Heads at WBC With “Fun Teams” Comments After Dominican Republic’s Win over Netherlands

Juan Soto (Image via MLB)

Juan Soto and the Dominican Republic continued their dominating run at the World Baseball Classic on Sunday with a 12-1 win over the Netherlands. After the game, the New York Mets star turned some heads with his “fun teams” comments.

After their 12-3 win over Nicaragua, Soto and his side took on the Netherlands. The Dutch came into this game following a historic 4-3 over Nicaragua after an Ozzie Albies 3-run walk-off home run.

The Dominican Republic started strong again and dominated their opponents at the loanDepot Park in Miami. With the team leading 10-1 in the bottom of the 7th inning, Soto ended the game with a 2-run home run.

As they lead 12-1, the mercy run-rule came into effect. Soto’s home run thus became a walk-off bomb as they ended the proceedings after just 7 innings.

Soto, who was 0-for-2 before this home run, was almost out of the game. Manager Albert Pujols wanted to remove him. However, the 4-time All-Star convinced Pujols to let him remain in the game.

After their win, Soto would speak with Sierra Santos of MLB Network. During this conversation, he would make a “fun teams” comments that would later spark some buzz on social media.

I’ve been on a lot of great teams. 2019, 2024, those were really fun teams that I played with but this has to be top of the top. You have the whole family, the whole Dominican Republic cheering for you. … There is nothing better than that.

Juan Soto said

In 2019, Soto was part of the Washington Nationals team that stunned the MLB world to win the World Series. In the Fall Classic against the Houston Astros, Soto batted with a .333/.438/.741 slash line with 3 home runs and 7 RBIs.

In 2024, he was playing for the New York Yankees. Along with Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton, Soto played a key role in the Bronx Bombers’ first trip to the World Series since 2009. Unfortunately, this time he ended up losing in the Fall Classic.

After that defeat, he became a free agent. He would then join the New York Mets on a 15-year, $765 million deal and switch teams in New York. His first season with the team however, was one to forget.

While he managed to get back in form after a slow start, the Mets suffered a major collapse. Despite him finishing with a career high 43 home runs, the Mets missed the playoffs entirely as they lost on the final day to the Miami Marlins.

Soto’s omission of the Mets from his “fun teams” comments was something that raised some eyebrows among Mets fans. The supporters of the NL East side are hoping for Soto to become their next big superstar and guide them to glory. This is perhaps the reason why this comment did not sit well with some of them.

Juan Soto recently issued MVP challenge to Shohei Ohtani

Before the World Baseball Classic, Juan Soto made some bold comments. During the Spring Training, the New York Mets star issued an MVP challenge to Shohei Ohtani and expressed that he was coming for him.

Juan Soto and Shohei Ohtani
Juan Soto and Shohei Ohtani (Image via MLB)

Last year, Soto came third in the NL MVP race behind Kyle Schwarber and Shohei Ohtani. While Schwarber hit 56 home runs, Ohtani hit 55 home runs.

The Japanese international went on to win the World Series again with the Dodgers. His performances saw him clinch his 3rd straight MVP award and his 4th overall as he claimed all 30 first place votes again.

Soto meanwhile, received 4 second-place votes, 15 third-place votes, nine fourth-place votes and two fifth-place votes in the MVP voting and thus finished third.

Despite this, Soto is full of confidence. While speaking with the reporters at the Spring Training camp in February, the outfielder sent a message to Ohtani.

I’m going to be there every year, too. So he (Shohei Ohtani) better keep doing what he’s doing, because I’m coming.

Juan Soto said regarding the NL MVP race

Soto’s best finish in the MVP race came in 2021 when he finished second behind Philadelphia Phillies star Bryce Harper. That year, Ohtani won the AL MVP award, his first MVP honor, while playing for the Los Angeles Angels.

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