PORT ST. LUCIE — Like many in the Mets clubhouse, Mark Vientos paid careful attention to what Juan Soto was doing this spring. When you’re defined by greatness, people want to see what makes them great, and how they can emulate it.
But Vientos was surprised to find out that someone who plays with so much flair on the field was so reserved.
“He’s pretty quiet — like more quiet than I expected him to be,” Vientos told the Daily News. “I mean, that’s just his personality, but you kind of expect players of his caliber to be more outgoing, especially with how plays. He’s a humble person. He’s really genuine and he just loves playing.”
It’s easy to see why Vientos was expecting a much louder, assertive personality. After all, this is the same guy who got into a back-and-forth cup-grabbing battle with a pitcher during an NLCS game. Soto’s at-bats are a masterclass in how to get underneath the skin of pitchers, with the superstar slugger often licking his lips, staring down his competition and, of course, shuffling in between pitches.
But that’s the on-field Soto, who is ultra-competitive and will do what he needs to do to get the adrenaline going. Off the field, Soto is somewhat shy.
“I don’t like to talk,” Soto said. “I’m more quiet.”
Though his reputation precedes him, the 26-year-old Soto has been the new kid in class three times since 2022. For a quiet guy, those transitions can be tough. The Mets already have a tight-knit group, and it’s human nature for people to split off into different factions.
“It’s going to take a while,” Soto said. “First, you’ve got to get to know the guys and get to know the staff and how things work over here. You’re just not going to come in and be like, ‘Oh, I want things done this way.’ No, you’ve got to get used to what they’ve been doing and what has been working for them, and how they’ve been successful in the past. So I think it takes a little bit — it takes a while — to sit down and read the mindsets and the team.”
Team leaders Francisco Lindor and Brandon Nimmo work to make sure the group feels inclusive. It works because the two of them are very different from one another, but they have the same goal in mind, which is helping the Mets win. They believe that every player needs to be able to be themselves in order to play their best. That philosophy extends to their $765 million superstar outfielder.
“He leads by example, and he has a presence about him, but yeah, he’s not going to be the first one to speak all the time and be super loud about it,” Nimmo said. “But you know, that’s OK with me. We need all kinds of different personalities on this team. He leads in his own way, and it’s by example, in the way he carries himself a lot, and that’s plenty.”
The Mets have made it clear that they don’t need Soto to be a vocal leader in the group. Soto isn’t exceptionally comfortable being a “leader,” but he understands that when you have the contract he has, some leadership is expected. However, it can come in many forms.
The Yankees saw that last season when Soto came to the Bronx after a winter meetings trade from the San Diego Padres. It was Aaron Judge‘s team, but Soto was far more than just a supporting cast member. Soto didn’t just talk about winning, he put in the work to make himself a winner.
“You watch his routine and process and work ethic, and you know he walks the walk,” said Yankees manager Aaron Boone. “So when you’re a great player and you walk the walk, you know people take notice and pay attention. That’s what he was for us.”
One example was a line-drive competition early in camp. During batting practice, Soto quickly announced rules for a competition. It lightened up an otherwise dull workout and provided a boost of energy to the team. Soto’s drive might be his best leadership trait.
“He loves to compete, so if he can bring the competition level up, it really brings him up,” Nimmo said. “That’s something that you have to know about yourself.”
Soto, said Mets closer Edwin Diaz, is “always working.” Always in the batting cages, always taking care of his body. He prioritizes sleep and routines.
But Starling Marte got him out of his shell a bit this spring, with Soto calling him a “mentor” for him and Jose Siri. Marte drove the three of them around Port St. Lucie, helping them navigate a new place and a new organization.
There could have been tension from Soto and Marte, given that Soto pushed Marte out of right field. But Marte, who is a decade older than Soto, sees “a good kid” who works hard from the same place he calls home, and that’s enough for him.
Soto may not have the personality of a Pete Alonso, or the decisiveness of a Lindor. But what he does have is a tireless work ethic that he thinks will win over Mets fans.
“Mets fans are going to get Juan Soto, he’s happy every day,” Soto said. “I’m going to try to have my best smile out there and try to play the best way I can to give 100% every day.”
