Juan Soto Reveals the One Thing He’s Most Proud Of — Just As He Closes In on Mets History
As the 2025 MLB season reaches its late summer crescendo, Juan Soto has once again positioned himself at the center of baseball’s spotlight. Since joining the New York Mets, Soto has been nothing short of a phenomenon, carrying both the swagger and the statistical brilliance that have long defined his young career. But as the Mets charge toward a potential postseason berth, and as Soto inches ever closer to a piece of Mets history, he has chosen to reflect on what truly matters to him as a player and as a person. In a candid moment with reporters, Soto revealed the one thing he is most proud of — and it may surprise fans who expected a record, an award, or a contract to top the list.
The Historic Context of Soto’s Mets Journey
When the Mets secured Juan Soto in what was arguably one of the most high-profile acquisitions in franchise history, expectations skyrocketed. Already known for his incredible plate discipline, explosive power, and championship pedigree with the Washington Nationals, Soto arrived in New York burdened with both the weight of hype and the promise of changing the Mets’ fortunes.
Since then, he has not only delivered but also elevated the entire organization. This season, Soto is on the verge of becoming the first Mets player to record a combination of 40 home runs, 120 walks, and a .300 batting average in a single year. That statistical cocktail reflects not just dominance but also consistency and a mastery of the strike zone rarely seen in modern baseball.
Yet, while fans and analysts dissect the numbers, Soto’s own perspective has revealed itself to be more human and surprisingly personal. For him, the one thing he’s most proud of has little to do with milestones, trophies, or stat sheets. Instead, it’s about the way he has grown to embrace leadership and the role of inspiring others in the clubhouse.
Beyond Numbers: Soto’s Pride in Leadership
When asked what moment or achievement defines his pride the most, Soto leaned back and offered a thoughtful smile before explaining: “It’s not the home runs or the records. For me, the biggest thing is how I’ve learned to lead my teammates and help them believe in themselves. That’s what makes me proud.”
Those words underscore the transformation of a player who entered the majors at just 19 years old. Back then, Soto was the energetic rookie dazzling fans with his bat flips and fearless approach at the plate. Today, at 26, he has become a clubhouse cornerstone, a voice of calm in high-pressure moments, and a mentor to younger players striving to find their place in the game.
In an era where baseball often glorifies individual feats, Soto’s pride in leadership reflects both maturity and a deeper understanding of what sustains a team through the grind of a 162-game season. For the Mets, who have historically struggled with cohesion and consistency, Soto’s leadership could very well be as important as his batting line.
The Evolution of a Superstar
To fully appreciate why Soto’s statement resonates so deeply, it’s essential to trace his journey. After breaking into the majors with the Nationals in 2018, Soto quickly became a sensation, playing a pivotal role in Washington’s 2019 World Series championship. His plate discipline — often compared to legends like Ted Williams — set him apart. By the time he was 23, Soto had already accumulated accolades most players spend a career chasing: a batting title, multiple Silver Sluggers, and All-Star appearances.
But what was missing, at least publicly, was the perception of Soto as a leader. On those Nationals teams, veterans like Max Scherzer and Ryan Zimmerman carried much of the responsibility in the clubhouse. Soto was the wunderkind, the spark, but not necessarily the leader.
His transition to the New York Mets changed that dynamic. With a new contract, a new city, and a franchise that desperately needed a cultural shift, Soto was thrust into a role that demanded more than just production. He embraced it, not by forcing himself into the spotlight, but by setting an example and offering steady encouragement to teammates. His leadership style has been described as inclusive, positive, and quietly commanding.
Chasing Mets History While Staying Grounded
The numbers, of course, continue to astonish. Soto’s ability to combine power and patience at the plate has pushed him into the conversation of the all-time greats, even before reaching his prime. As he closes in on Mets history, the significance is not lost on fans or media. Becoming the first in franchise history to reach such elite statistical territory would cement his place in the pantheon of Mets legends alongside names like Mike Piazza, Tom Seaver, and David Wright.
Yet Soto insists that these milestones are secondary. “Records are nice, and I’m honored whenever people mention me in that way,” he explained. “But for me, the real honor is when my teammates know they can count on me. If I can make the guy next to me better, that’s what I’m proud of.”
That humility, paired with unmatched talent, has created a bond between Soto and the New York fanbase. Mets fans, known for their passion and at times their impatience, have embraced Soto not just because of his numbers but because of the way he carries himself. His interactions with fans, his willingness to sign autographs, and his unshakable composure in big moments have all endeared him to Queens.
A Culture Shift for the Mets
The Mets organization has long battled a reputation for inconsistency and underachievement, even when armed with talent. But with Soto in the lineup and in the clubhouse, there’s a tangible shift in culture. Teammates frequently highlight his influence, describing how his presence lightens the mood during tough stretches and how his advice has guided younger players through slumps.
One rookie recently remarked, “When Soto tells you to keep your head up, it hits different. You believe it because you see how he approaches every at-bat. He doesn’t give in, so you don’t want to give in either.”
This culture change is perhaps the legacy Soto is most proud of building. Even if his career with the Mets ended tomorrow, the impact of his leadership would continue to shape the team for years to come.
The Broader Significance of Soto’s Pride
In professional sports, it is often assumed that the greatest source of pride for athletes comes from accolades — MVP awards, championship rings, or historic statistics. But Juan Soto’s perspective offers a refreshing reminder that greatness is not solely defined by numbers. His pride in leadership speaks to the human side of the game, where relationships, mentorship, and influence outlast records.
This doesn’t mean Soto is dismissing the chase for Mets history. On the contrary, he acknowledges it with a smile and a sense of determination. “Of course I want to keep pushing, keep hitting, keep winning,” he said. “That’s what the fans deserve, that’s what my teammates deserve. But the thing that stays with me, even after the games, is knowing I’m giving more than just hits. I’m giving energy, belief, and support.”
Looking Ahead
As the season winds down and the Mets position themselves for what could be a dramatic playoff run, all eyes remain on Soto. His bat will be crucial, his on-base presence invaluable, and his leadership undeniable. Whether or not he cements himself in the record books this season, his place in Mets history is already taking shape in ways numbers can’t fully capture.
For Soto, that’s exactly the point. The pride he feels in his role as a leader has given him a perspective that transcends box scores. It’s the kind of perspective that not only elevates him but also elevates everyone around him.
In a city that has seen its share of baseball icons, from Seaver’s dominance on the mound to Piazza’s power at the plate, Soto is carving out a legacy uniquely his own — a legacy defined as much by compassion and guidance as by batting averages and home runs.
And as he continues to chase down milestones, Juan Soto stands as a reminder that history is written not just in numbers, but in the hearts and spirits of those who share the journey.
