Mets’ Juan Soto might play Winter League ball next winter or in future season

It’s not uncommon for players to suit up during the winter to get some extra work in before spring training begins, and Juan Soto is looking to be one of them.

The outfielder, who signed a record 15-year, $765 million deal with the Mets this offseason, said on Wednesday that he has a desire to play for Tigres del Licey of the Dominican Winter League in the future.

SNY’s Andy Martino said Soto is not asking the Mets to play this year, noting that he has long been under control to Licey.

Per Martino, Soto might play 10 games or so for Licey next winter or in a future season.

Soto was in his home country on Wednesday to throw out the first pitch between Licey and Aguilas. Prior to the festivities, Soto spoke to the Spanish-language media.

“I asked the Mets to give me permission to play 10 games with Licey in the Dominican Winter League,” Soto said, via Hector Gomez. “I don’t know the date yet when I will do it, but I hope it will be soon.”

Soto had planned to make his LIDOM — the name of the Dominican Winter League — debut back in 2022 when he was a member of the San Diego Padres. The slugger was set to join Licey for their playoff run but wound up not playing.

Soto is coming off his best offensive season in his lone year with the Yankees. The left-handed slugger slashed .288/.419/.569 while hitting a career-high 41 homers. He also finished third place in AL MVP voting behind Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. and eventual winner and former Yankees teammate Aaron Judge.

Mets players have had recent success playing in the winter league. Prospect Ronny Mauricio was named MVP of the 2022 Dominican Winter League when he led the league with 54 hits, 15 doubles, and 31 RBI. Mauricio also hit five home runs, stole 11 bases, and scored 26 runs while hitting .287 — the third-best mark in the league.

Luisangel Acuña is a Rookie of the Year finalist over in the Venezuelan Winter League this winter. The 22-year-old slashed .337/.419/.495 with a .914 OPS, three home runs, 17 RBI and 18 stolen bases across 31 games.