New York Mets star Juan Soto has recently been showcasing impressive form after a slow season start, with June marking a significant turnaround. Central to his success is the role played by his mother, Belkis Pacheco, whose cooking supports Soto’s demanding diet and helps maintain his condition throughout the year.
Belkis’ culinary talents have earned admiration from more than just her son. David Ortiz, a legendary figure from the Boston Red Sox, praised her cooking during a November 2024 appearance on the Baseball Isn’t Boring podcast, revealing how her meals have become a preferred choice for several major league players.
“His (Juan Soto’s) mom’s name is Belkis. She cooks for me sometimes. Oh my god, she made me this oxtail. It was delicious, combined with some other things, that’s not the only thing she made,” David Ortiz said [6:02]
Ortiz also recounted how Belkis’ food served as a good luck charm during a playoff game in New York, emphasizing the impact her cooking had on his performance.
“You know what, when I was in New York during the playoff, she sent me some to the field, and we killed it. That’s my lady man, she’s a really good friend of mine,” Ortiz added.
Ortiz Confident Juan Soto Will Transform the Mets’ Future
Following the New York Mets’ historic investment to sign Juan Soto to the largest contract in major league history, expectations are high for the Dominican slugger to lead the team to success. Mets owner Steve Cohen’s decision signals a clear commitment to building a winning roster around Soto.
David Ortiz expressed strong confidence in Soto’s overall ability during a March episode of the Baseball Isn’t Boring podcast, highlighting the multifaceted value Soto brings beyond his hitting prowess.
“Yeah, you know, he’s not just a good batter. You know, Juan Soto brings so much to the table. He’s the kind of kid that you can build an organization around, without a doubt. Oh yeah, the minute he walks in there, you want to learn something about him,” Ortiz said [25:12].
“I’m telling you, he’s going to make a big difference in the Mets organization. He’s got that power,” Ortiz added.
Soto has gradually adjusted to his new environment in Queens, demonstrating his worth as a powerful asset for the Mets. Fans remain hopeful that he will sustain this momentum through the remainder of the season as the team aims to compete fiercely for the NL East title and position themselves as strong contenders for the World Series in October.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Juan Soto a free-agent in 2025?
A. He simply stated, “I must improve,” according to Jon Heyman from the New York Post. At 26, he is experiencing his first year with the Mets. He joined the team by signing a historic 15-year free-agent contract valued at $765 million in December 2024, marking the biggest deal in MLB history.
Q. What is Juan Soto’s bat speed?
A. Ramos and Soto’s bat speeds decreased from over 75 mph to over 73 mph. This is still fast and well above the league’s average of 71.6 mph. Despite the drop, Soto maintains an excellent bat speed.