Soto receives the Juan Marichal Award for his performance in Major League Baseball in 2025

Santo Domingo.- New York Mets star outfielder Juan Soto received the Juan Marichal Award this Sunday, which recognizes the Dominican player with the best performance in the Major League season in 2025. Soto, who received the award from Marichal himself, the first Dominican to enter the Baseball Hall of Fame, expressed his gratitude for having been taken into account once again for this recognition of his work on the field. "Thanks to the Dominican Republic, thanks to Don Juan and all the journalists for taking me into account," expressed 'la Fiera', who also obtained this distinction last year, thus becoming the first Dominican player to receive this award on two occasions. For his part, Marichal, to whom this award pays tribute for his successful baseball career, said he felt honored to present this recognition to Soto, whom he highlighted as an example for the youth of the Dominican Republic. "For me, it is an honor to present this year's Juan Marichal Award to my namesake Juan Soto. He wins it for the second time, and I extend my great congratulations," said the first Dominican with a niche in the temple of the immortals of Major League Baseball. In his first season as a member of the Mets, after signing a record $760 million deal, Soto hit 43 home runs, drove in 105 runs and scored 120 times, leaving a batting average of .263, numbers that led him to finish among the finalists for the National League Most Valuable Player award.

World Baseball Classic

In the ceremony, when asked about his possible participation in next year's World Baseball Classic, Soto indicated that he is ready to represent the Dominican Republic. "Everyone knows the answer to that question, we are 'ready'," said the powerful left-handed hitter, who will be in his second participation with the Dominican team in the nations tournament. Regarding his possible participation with the Tigres del Licey, in the season of the Dominican Republic Professional Baseball League (Lidom), Soto indicated that he has already requested permission to play in Dominican territory, but that decision is in the hands of the Mets. In this edition of the Juan Marichal award, honorary mentions were given to former players Luis Castillo and Sammy Sosa, for having been inducted into the Hall of Fame of the Miami Marlins and the Chicago Cubs in Major League Baseball. Also receiving an honorable mention was the stellar starting first baseman for the Toronto Blue Jays, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. for having won the Most Valuable Player award of the 2025 American League Championship Series.