New York Mets‘ Juan Soto didn’t hold back his thoughts after the Dominican Republic lost to Team USA 2-1 in the semifinal of the 2026 World Baseball Classic.
The Dominican side saw a controversial strike three call end their tournament as the Americans advanced to the final. Nonetheless, Soto made it clear that the better team didn’t win the contest.
“We showed the world who’s the best team in baseball,” Soto said postgame. “That’s all I got to say.”
It’s because of these remarks that WFAN’s Evan Roberts didn’t hold back his thoughts on how Soto handled the loss to the U.S.
“I’m pretty sure he was being serious when he said this,” Roberts said on WFAN on March 16. “We got a little crybaby effort out of Juan Soto… You want to get on Juan Soto? Here’s where you get on him. He hit into a huge double play in the fifth inning against the soft-tossing Tyler Rogers. That’s a criticism. He did not come through in a big moment…
“Paul Skenes was on a restrictive pitch count. He threw 71 pitches. If this was real or realer and we’re trying to prove the best team in the world, Paul Skenes is just throwing 105 pitches. I think Juan Soto showed you with that line how emotional this game was, how much he wanted to win, which I absolutely respect. In answering it, he came off like a baby. You didn’t prove you’re the best team in the world.”
Mark DeRosa Weighs In on Controversial Ending
Meanwhile, Team USA manager Mark DeRosa shared his thoughts on Soto and the rest of the Dominican players being upset for how the game ended.
“I’m a fan of ABS,” DeRosa told reporters on March 16 (h/t SNY). “I think it’ll be good for the game moving forward. I think it’ll be in the next WBC. You know, watching that ball back on replay, I can understand why the Dominicans are upset about it. I love the class and have a ton of respect for the way Albert Pujols handled the postgame.
“It had a lot of the plate. I think if you take the box, which I think with adding ABS, the box will come off the TV. That ball had a lot of plate, and Will [Smith] does a hell of a job framing. But yeah, I’m in favor of ABS coming into the game.”
Austin Wells Doesn’t Hold Back on Mets’ Juan Soto
Moreover, New York Yankees catcher Austin Wells had high praise for Soto before the game against the U.S. on March 15.
“He’s the same guy,” Wells told SNY’s Michelle Margaux about Soto. “He’s a dog and wants to be competing at the highest level every game. So just getting to be around him again has been incredible.”
With the Dominicans out of the WBC, Soto will return to the Mets as he looks to bring that same leadership he displayed for his country. It will be interesting to see how much of that translates over to the Mets, who will be looking for a bounce-back season after missing the playoffs in 2025.
Mets’ Juan Soto Sparks Strong Take Over Reaction to Team USA Win