"I won’t make a Juan Soto jersey until a deal is done" – Peligro Sports founder on holding off on Mets superstar's merch to respect LIDOM relationship

Juan Soto is a hit in New York thanks to his Dominican heritage. The New York Mets superstar has driven a lot of business to NY-based Peligro Sports, one of the preeminent Dominican merchandise locations for fans. Founder Jose Matias understands that better than anyone.

A theoretical Soto LIDOM jersey would undoubtedly be huge for Matias and his business, but not his new Mets jersey. Soto has reportedly asked the Mets if he can one day play for LIDOM team Tigres del Licey.

LIDOM is the Dominican baseball league, also known as Liga de Béisbol Profesional de la República Dominicana. It's a league many MLB stars have played in to support their home country's league.

If and when Soto does play for Tigres del Licey, Matias envisions many fans coming back for his LIDOM jersey. The Peligro Sports founder said he's already seen fans who bought Yankees merch for Soto return to get his Mets gear, so they're clearly only fans of the player.

Until the Mets Soto does play for Licey, Matias is going to hold off on making any jersey. He said, via The Athletic:

“Supposedly, Soto might play five or 10 games (for Licey). Out of respect, I won’t make a Soto jersey until a deal is done. Not all money is welcome money. But from the moment I can, I will. I don’t want to break the good relationships I’ve built with LIDOM... Soto is in his moment right now.

"Many Dominican players play in LIDOM when their careers are coming to an end. It would be incredible if it could happen.”

Soto wants to play for Licey, but it remains to be seen when he will.

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Mets are reportedly fine with Juan Soto playing for Licey

Given how the Mets acquiesced to everything Juan Soto wanted in free agency, including putting focus on access for his family (something he didn't have with the New York Yankees), it's no surprise that they're reportedly not worried about Soto playing in LIDOM.

Juan Soto will play for Licey (Imagn)

He asked them if he could one day play 10 games or so with Licey, and they granted permission. Soto signed a 15-year, $765 million deal to join the Mets, so it's a huge investment on their part. Despite that, they are fine with him playing for his country. It remains to be seen when, but it will not be this season.