ʀ ᴜ ᴍɪɴᴇ? - juan soto

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Juan Soto: Baseball's Biggest Brat

by Lyra Larosa

Juan Soto might be one of the most electrifying players in baseball today, but talent doesn't always equal greatness. Yes, the Yankees' superstar boasts a career .300 batting average, a shelf full of awards, and an uncanny ability to deliver under pressure. But behind the stats lies a troubling pattern—one that has earned him a fitting nickname among insiders: baseball's biggest brat.

From his infamous "Soto Shuffle" to his unapologetic showboating after a home run, Soto thrives on attention. But it's not just the opposition that feels the sting of his antics—it's his own team. Multiple sources within the Yankees organization describe a player whose ego is as inflated as his paycheck.

"He's the first one to take credit for a win and the last one to take responsibility for a loss," said one veteran teammate. "When things go wrong, he's either blaming the pitching staff or sulking in the corner."

Then there was the now-infamous dugout blowup earlier this season. After striking out with runners on base, Soto was caught on camera throwing his helmet and berating a rookie teammate for "not hustling" on a previous play. The rookie later apologized publicly, but Soto? Not a word.

His behavior with the media is no better. Last month, during a particularly brutal slump, a reporter asked if his poor performance was affecting the team's morale. Soto's response? "Morale doesn't win games. I do." He then walked out, leaving his manager to clean up the mess.

And while Soto occasionally shows flashes of generosity—like his recent donation to youth baseball programs in the Dominican Republic—these moments feel more like PR band-aids than genuine acts of humility.

It's not that Soto lacks passion. If anything, he has too much of it—focused inward, feeding an ego that constantly craves the spotlight. His defenders claim his arrogance is simply confidence, a necessary edge in a high-stakes game. But there's a fine line between confidence and entitlement, and Juan Soto has crossed it so many times he's practically living on the other side.

Great players are remembered for their talent, but legends are remembered for how they elevate those around them. Until Soto learns to stop tearing others down to build himself up, he'll remain exactly what his critics call him: baseball's biggest brat.

Because as thrilling as his bat flips and stare-downs might be, they won't mean much if he alienates everyone on his way to the top.