New York Mets outfielder Juan Soto made his feelings clear after the Dominican Republic fell to Team USA 2-1 in the semifinals of the 2026 World Baseball Classic.
The game concluded on a controversial strike three call, sending the American team to the final. Following the defeat, Soto expressed his belief that the outcome did not reflect the superior team on the field.
“We showed the world who’s the best team in baseball,” Soto stated after the game. “That’s all I got to say.”
These remarks drew criticism from WFAN’s Evan Roberts, who felt Soto’s reaction to the loss was inappropriate.
“I’m pretty sure he was being serious when he said this,” Roberts commented on his show. “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.”
Roberts also pointed to the context of the game, noting that Team USA’s pitching ace, Paul Skenes, was on a limited pitch count. “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.”
DeRosa Comments on Controversial Ending
Team USA manager Mark DeRosa addressed the frustration from Soto and the Dominican squad regarding the game’s final call.
“I’m a fan of ABS [Automated Ball-Strike system],” DeRosa told reporters. “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.”
DeRosa elaborated on the pivotal call, acknowledging the impact of catcher framing. “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.”
Wells Praises Soto’s Competitive Drive
Prior to the semifinal matchup, Yankees catcher Austin Wells spoke highly of Soto, his former teammate, praising his intense approach to the game.
“He’s the same guy,” Wells told reporters. “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 Dominican Republic’s WBC campaign concluded, Soto is set to rejoin the Mets. The team will be looking to him to provide leadership as they aim to rebound from a 2025 season that saw them miss the playoffs.
