Juan Soto Confirms Commitment to Playing in 2026 WBC

Updated Post – May 14

On Tuesday, Mets superstar Juan Soto held a Spanish-language press conference. During the presser, Soto said he would “100%” play in the 2026 World Baseball Classic for the Dominican Republic if he’s healthy.

Soto had a 1.500 OPS in four games for the Dominican Republic in the 2023 WBC.

Original Post – March 14

Juan Soto signed a 15-year, $765 million deal with the Mets this offseason, but he may be putting on a different jersey this time next year.

Soto spoke with Nelson Cruz on Thursday, his former teammate with the Washington Nationals and San Diego Padres who just so happens to be the general manager of the Dominican Republic’s World Baseball Classic team.

When asked if would be playing for the Dominican team in 2026, Soto, with a smile, said, “I might be,” per Newsday’s Tim Healey.

Pointing in the direction of Steve Cohen’s box in Clover Park, he added, “I need permission from the boss.”

Mets fans have some negative imagery when it comes to the WBC after closer Edwin Díaz tore the patellar tendon in his right knee in 2023 while celebrating Puerto Rico’s victory against Soto and the D.R.

Díaz himself has already stated that he hopes to play for Puerto Rico next year if everything goes well and he gets the thumbs up from the Mets.

If Soto does indeed suit up for the D.R. in the WBC, he won’t be alone in terms of Mets representation, as High-A Brooklyn manager Gilbert Gómez will be the assistant manager alongside skipper Albert Pujols. Gómez is entering his eighth season coaching in the Mets’ system and his second with Brooklyn.

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