The star outfielder for the New York Mets, Juan Soto, received the Juan Marichal Award this Sunday, which recognizes the Dominican player with the best performance in the 2025 Major League Baseball season.

Soto, who received the Presented with the award by Marichal himself, the first Dominican inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame, he expressed his gratitude for being considered once again for this recognition of his work on the field. “Thank you to the Dominican Republic, thank you to Don Juan and all the journalists for considering me,” said “La Fiera” (The Beast), who also received this distinction last year, thus becoming the first Dominican player to receive this award twice. 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. “It is an honor for me to present this year’s Juan Marichal Award to my namesake, Juan Soto. He has won it for the second time, and I extend my sincere congratulations,” said the first Dominican with a place in the Hall of Fame.

In his first season as a member of the Mets, after signing a record $760 million contract, Soto hit 43 home runs, drove in 105 runs, and scored 120 times, posting a .263 batting average, numbers that earned him a place among the finalists for the National League MVP award.

His participation in the World Baseball Classic

At 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 making his second appearance with the Dominican team in the tournament.Regarding his potential participation with the Tigres del Licey in the Dominican Professional Baseball League (LIDOM) season, Soto indicated that he has already requested permission to play in the Dominican Republic, but that the decision rests with the Mets. In this edition of the Juan Marichal Award, former players Luis Castillo and Sammy Sosa received honorable mentions for their induction into the Miami Marlins and Chicago Cubs Halls of Fame, respectively. An honorable mention was also given to the Toronto Blue Jays' star first baseman, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., for winning the 2025 American League Championship Series MVP award. *With information from EFE.