It’s not Christmas, but Juan Soto is out here playing Santa Claus! The most expensive player in MLB is proving he’s more than just a superstar—he’s a team-first guy, and the Mets couldn’t be happier. What’s the buzz? Soto just surprised Brett Baty with a brand new car, fulfilling a longtime dream for the third baseman. A viral video even captured Baty’s stunned reaction as he spotted his new ride outside the park.
But why did Soto go the extra mile? Turns out, Baty had been driving the same car since high school and was finally planning to upgrade. Plus, Soto owed him one—a goodwill gesture for a sacrifice Baty made. So, is this just a generous moment, or does it reveal a deeper bond between Soto and his new squad?
Juan Soto is known for slugging the ball all over the park and covering leftfield, and this offseason, he is the talk of town after his record-breaking deal. But this time, his camaraderie with his teammates was highlighted, with a swanky SUV being the center of attraction. It all started when Brett Baty was hoping to replace his Toyota 4runner, which he had been driving since high school. For Juan Soto, his staple number 22 jersey was not available with the Mets, Baty being the holder of it. It was Baty who agreed to take up the number 7 jersey and pass the 22 to Soto.
Brett Baty reveals he’s been driving the same car he drove in high school for his whole career before Soto’s gift:
“Every Spring Training I come in saying ‘I’m gonna get a new car, I’m gonna get a new car’… I didn’t expect that, that was amazing.” pic.twitter.com/40bf36YE2c
— SNY (@SNYtv) February 20, 2025
“Every spring training, I come in saying, ‘I’m gonna get a new car, I’m gonna get a new car’… I didn’t expect that, that was amazing,” said Baty on getting a new car from Soto. Yes, that’s a return gift from Juan Soto for receiving the number 22 jersey from Baty! While Baty was planning to get a new car, it came as a surprise from Soto. A brand new black Chevrolet Tahoe was waiting for Baty at the car park! “It was the car of his dreams, so I made sure he got it,” said Soto on why he gifted the particular model. Well, a healthy team culture and bonding are getting highlighted by the Mets.
The Mets are ready for 2025
The spring season is on, and opening day is just a few weeks away. The Mets seem to have a contending team this year, and camaraderie between the players is evident. Hopes are expectedly high on Juan Soto to lead the charge, while Brett Baty is expected to take the lead at the third base. Soto is coming with 41 homers and 109 RBIs from last year, which got him his fifth Silver Slugger award. The Mets are hoping to witness the same performance from him this year also.
Brett Baty had a below-par season last year with only 50 games played, scoring 4 homers. However, he showed signs of improvement in his final week as a healthy player for Triple-A Syracuse. In his final week as a healthy player, he went 9-for-25 with four home runs and a 1.248 OPS. Thus, the Mets are hopeful to get a better performance from Baty this year and with this new-found confidence from Soto, he is all set to make a splash! While Baty got what he was hoping for, it’s time to get what the fans are hoping for—a World Series ring!
Now that Baty is set to drive his new car, hopefully, he can also drive his team to success this year.
What do you think about Soto’s affection for Baty? Share your thoughts with us below.
The post Mets’ 3B Reveals How Juan Soto Unknowingly Fulfilled His Big 2025 Plan By Giving a Wholesome Gift appeared first on EssentiallySports.
