Mets' Juan Soto 'cannot be more prepared' for 2026 regular season after WBC experience

Juan Soto returned to the Mets  lineup on Thursday after two weeks playing for the Dominican Republic at this year's World Baseball Classic, and the slugger was thrilled with his experience. Although Soto and Team DR fell to the USA in the semifinals, Soto called it "one of the best experiences" he's ever had after he was pulled in the Mets' 6-2 win over the Astros. But it was more than just an experience for Soto, in fact, the Mets superstar credits the tournament for how he feels just a week out from the team's Opening Day.

"I feel really good right now," Soto said. "My body, everything feels good. I feel like my swing is in a good spot to start the season.

I cannot be more prepared. ” Before the WBC, Soto was 2-for-12 with just one extra-base hit in five spring games. Soto upped that production during the tournament, going 6-for-23 (.

261) in the team's six games to go along with two bombs, four RBI, five walks and a stolen base. And although he went 0-for-2 with a walk and a run scored on Thursday, Soto looks back fondly on his time with his countrymen and recommends it to others, if not for the competition, but for the knowledge that's dropped from teammates and coaches. "It’s an experience that I recommend to anyone who has a chance to play," Soto said.