PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — Juan Soto is quickly ingratiating himself to his Mets teammates during his first week of spring training.
On Thursday morning at Clover Park, Soto had a surprise for Brett Baty, who gave up his No. 22 to the new Mets superstar outfielder. Soto gifted Baty a new black SUV as a show of appreciation for surrendering the number.
‘It’s all yours,’ Soto said when presenting the vehicle in the players’ parking lot. ‘I just appreciate you. Thank you for the number, I really appreciate it. It’s the first one I ever wear, so I want to give you something nice.’
It was a nice way for Soto to use his new wealth after inking a record 15-year, $765 million deal with the Mets in December. Earlier this week during his first press conference of the spring, Soto said he had not made any major purchases but teased that something might be on the way.
‘Not yet. A couple of things,’ Soto said of some big purchases he might have in mind. ‘I’m waiting. You’re gonna see.’
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Baty said at Amazin’ Day that he switched to No. 7 as an homage to Joe Mauer and Jose Reyes, who he grew up admiring.
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