This weekend the spotlight in MLB was on Juan Soto, who made his long-awaited arrival at spring training with the New York Mets. The Dominican did not go unnoticed and in a press conference he gave something to talk about with his statements after the departure of Pete Alonso and the incorporation of Bo Bichette
With serenity, but also with firmness, Soto spoke about the new face of the team, the adjustments that await him in left field and the excitement of representing the Dominican Republic in the upcoming World Baseball Classic.
The departure of Pete Alonso and the arrival of Bo Bichette
The Mets finished the 2025 season with an 83-79 record, which was not enough to be one of the teams in the playoffs, but Pete Alonso was still a key presence in the locker room. However, the first baseman ended up going to the Baltimore Orioles where shortly after his departure he commented:
It was basically when we got to the actual point of negotiation. It’s like, all right, it’s just not going to happen. On my part, I gave everything I had and I always do. I don’t take it personally because, at the end of the day, it’s their philosophy, it’s their business decision.
Despite being the Mets’ all-time home run leader, Alonso revealed that the lack of a concrete proposal from the New York front office was the determining factor in seeking new horizons.
Following Alonso’s departure, the New York Mets moved quickly and signed Bo Bichette to a three-year, $126 million deal, breaking the free agent market. A two-time All-Star and son of former player Dante Bichette, he has been one of the most consistent hitters in the American League when healthy.
Juan Soto on the Mets: “Now we have Bo Bichette”
Soto is confident that they have found another hitter who will provide the same protection as Alonso. It will now be up to Bichette to repay the confidence the Dominican outfielder believes he can give.
We have Bo, I trust him. He’s a great hitter. He can hit home runs and hit for average. That’s great protection
With a batting average ranging from .224 to .241 in the early months and an OPS below his usual elite level, Mets fans are still waiting for Soto to shine again and justify the investment that was made in him, which was not insignificant.
I think the management made good moves. They made changes for great players and now we are a great team. When we look at the roster, we know it is very complete.
The Dominican outfielder trusts his team and is excited about the new additions to the team, predicting a great season for the Mets.
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