It began as a subtle habit—Juan Soto walking over to the bullpen between innings, pregame, and during the quiet lull of a pitching transformation. At first peek, it looked like a casual blend. Maybe a star right fielder saying hello, grabbing a drink, and killing time. But as the games went on and the pattern continued, something became apparent. Soto was not just visiting—he was investing. And for a fanbase skeptical about his massive contract and true intentions, those visits started to say what words could not: the guy was all in.

The Mets’ bullpen was not just a hangout spot—it was turning into Soto’s secret team. Reliever Ryne Stanek joked, “He comes by so often that we might as well give him that title—Honorary Bullpen Member.” But it was not all laughs. Soto came with questions. He turned to bullpen coach José Rosado for intel: what relievers throw to lefties, how to position himself defensively, and how to sharpen his throwing mechanics. And now, Rosado comes prepared. “I try to get the information before he even asks now,” he said. That right there shows a commitment few expected.

So what exactly was the motivation behind these frequent drop-ins? For one, Soto was in a mini-slump early in the season. Nothing tragic—but noticeable. Instead of sulking, he went seeking answers. The bullpen became his study lounge. Seeds in hand, Soto would grab quick chats, scouting tips, and even personal pitching advice—like when he asked A.J. Minter how lefties should attack him, then followed up with a film session the next day. It was baseball IQ on full display.

And through it all, the vibe transformed. Soto was not just finding his rhythm—he was weaving himself into the fabric of a bullpen that often feels left out of the clubhouse scene. “He brings an element of connectedness,” relievers said. That chemistry carried back onto the field, too. As Soto’s prep deepened, his slump faded. His plate discipline improved, and his energy returned. “He wants to have that step ahead on everything,” Rosado said—and it showed. Every walk to the bullpen was a small step toward reconstructing not just his swing, but his image with the Mets.

The verdict from teammates? Chill, calm, and confident. From fans? Belief is back. The quiet bullpen visits said what press conferences and social media posts could not: Soto’s loyalty is not up for debate—it has been walking down the foul line all along.

Nationals’ return and how Abrams, Wood, and Gore flip Soto’s exit into a team reset

While Soto has become a team cornerstone for the Mets, his departure from the Nationals is proving to be the launchpad for a new team identity. The 2022 deal that sent Soto to the Padres and later to Queens was once identified as a powerful disaster for the Nats. However, now, it looks like an calculated masterstroke. The trio of CJ Abrams, James Wood, and MacKenzie Gore—the outcome of that trade—have become the face of the team, which is becoming a contender.

Abrams has emerged as the infield general. He has brought energy, speed, with improved bat control. In just 25 games, his .286/.355/.500 slash line has set the tone. He has already swiped eight bases and flashed instincts that evoke memories of Soto’s game-breaking availability, though from a different angle.

In addition, Wood is becoming a feared young star in the NL. Ten homers, a .281 average with an OPS pushing .940 through 38 games highlight this rookie’s breakout. Then there is Gore—quietly dominating. His 3.33 ERA anchors a reshaped rotation. His 68 strikeouts through eight starts are big in the majors. His 13.3 K/9 rate screams elite status, and Gore is just 25. The team didn’t just get a young star—they got core pieces ready to lead now.

What’s more inspiring is that the pipeline is looking powerful. Jarlin Susana, the team’s No. 2 prospect, and Robert Hassell III, currently at No. 11, are inching toward their debuts. If these prospects pan out, the Nationals could quickly have a deep young roster in MLB.

And here’s the twist: none of this shady Soto’s shine. His success in New York and his integration with the Mets bullpen show leadership and chemistry, while the Nationals have built a flourishing new foundation. In a league full of regrettable trades, great trades, this one keeps aging well. What began as a goodbye to a generational talent now looks like a battle of evolution: Soto growing into a franchise leader—and the Nationals evolving without him.

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