Ex-Nationals AGM commends teenage Juan Soto’s "advanced mindset" in "copycat" Dominican society, claiming only Xander Bogaerts had it
Former Washington Nationals assistant general manager Johnny DiPuglia was the international scouting director who brought Juan Soto to the majors. Soto hails from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, similar to several international ball players in the majors like San Diego Padres' Aruban infielder, Xander Bogaerts.
The Nationals signed Soto as an international free agent in 2015. He would go on to make his debut in May 2018 and immediately made an impact by helping the organization win its first World Series the following year.
Over the years, Soto has adapted to the culture here in the U.S., and according to DiPuglia, despite coming from a "copycat society" in the DR where sometimes players find it hard to adapt, Soto had an "advanced mindset."
"Oh, when I think about it, he learned English in one year," DiPuglia said (15:18 onwards). "Then, when he started describing breaking balls at 16—how they spin and the rotation on the clock—I knew I had an advanced young man in terms of mindset.
"Through the years, I’ve never seen a player with that kind of mind. The only other kid who ever had that type of makeup was probably Bogaerts. You know, Bogaerts was very advanced and professional. Normally, it’s a copycat society. Those kids copy whatever they see on TV or whatever big leaguers are wearing. But Juan isn’t like that."
Red Sox among frontrunners to sign Juan Soto, per analyst
Juan Soto's free agency has captivated everyone's attention this offseason. The star outfielder is coming off a World Series trip with the New York Yankees and is expected to sign a contract north of $600 million.
Five teams have reportedly made them an offer, including the Yankees, New York Mets, LA Dodgers, Toronto Blue Jays and the Boston Red Sox. Among them, the Red Sox and the Mets have emerged as frontrunners to sign Soto, reportedly offering him above $600 million.
“I’m hearing the Yankees fear the Red Sox more than anyone,” analyst Randy Miller said via Danny Abriano of SNYtv. “I think the Mets are definitely in play and the Red Sox are in play. And I don’t think he’s going to the Yankees.”
The same report also claims the Yankees topped their offer to $550 million but with a better deal coming from the Mets and the Red Sox, expectations aren't that bright for the Yankees to get back Juan Soto.