Juan Soto: The MVP Quest and the Dominican Legacy
At 27 years old, Dominican Juan Soto has already forged a career that positions him as a future Hall of Fame candidate. However, a longing persists in his career: the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award. In eight seasons in the Major Leagues, Soto has been among the top ten in MVP voting six times. In 2021, he obtained second place in the National League, surpassed by Bryce Harper. Since then, the main obstacle in his path has been Shohei Ohtani, who has won the award in the last two seasons. Ohtani, now with the Los Angeles Dodgers, has four MVP trophies in his career, highlighting his ability as a two-way player.Soto, despite not pitching, has established himself as one of the most complete hitters in baseball. Last season, he hit 43 home runs, stole 38 bases, led the league in walks and on-base percentage, and recorded an OPS of .921. In addition, he led the National League in steals, demonstrating a new facet in his game. Soto is constantly seeking to improve, both offensively and defensively. His goal is to raise his batting average, maintain his power, and perfect his performance in the outfield, aspiring to equal historical figures like Albert Pujols, Alex Rodriguez, Barry Bonds, and his former teammate Aaron Judge.“I’ll be there every year too. He better keep doing what he’s doing, because I’m coming for him.”
Juan Soto
Beyond the competition, Soto respects Ohtani, but emphasizes that the MVP is a personal and national goal. If he achieves it, he would become the first Dominican to win the award since 2009.“When you see seasons like the ones players have had in the past, you tell yourself that you have to be up there to be one of the greatest”.
Juan Soto
With a guaranteed contract in the National League until 2033, Soto is prepared for battle every season.“It would be something very special, not only for me, but for the Dominican Republic. Having another player from the island named MVP would be something big.”
Juan Soto
