Juan Soto’s presence energizes Tigres against Albert Pujols' Leones in LIDOM Game 7 showdown

Newly-heralded highest-paid athlete in the world Juan Soto has spent his offseason still dabbling in the game of baseball. The young star stopped by and expressed his support for the Tigres del Licey of the Dominican Professional Baseball League or LIDOM.

"Juan Soto is in Santo Domingo for Game 7"- @ Shawn Spradling

The newly minted New York Met was present in the Tigres' dugout as the latter battled the Leones del Escogido managed by future Baseball Hall of Famer Albert Pujols. Soto was present during Game 7 of the Serie Final (championship round) currently being played at Estadio Quisqueya in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic — home of both the Tigres and Leones.

It's a nip-and-tuck affair as both teams have three wins each in the ultimate round of the season. Pujols's Leones are the third-most successful team in league history just behind Tigres and Aguilas Cibaeñas. However, the club hasn't touched championship glory since the 2015-2016 season when they defeated the Tigres.

"Albert Pujols in one dugout. Juan Soto in the other," Shawn Spradling

Tigres del Licey, on the other hand, are gunning for their third straight league championship. They are the oldest and most successful team in league history with 24 championships and 11 Caribbean Series crowns. At the time of writing, the team is being boosted by the talents of former major leaguers such as Johnny Cueto and Hansel Robles.

Mets manager Carlos Mendoza places faith in lineup featuring Francisco Lindor and Juan Soto

In a recent interview with podcasters Joe Benigno and Sal Licata, New York Mets manager Carlos Mendoza expressed faith in the team's lineup heading into the 2025 campaign.

"I'm not going to lie, I've been thinking a lot. The good thing is I have a lot of options. I can go with Francisco Lindor, Juan Soto, Mark Vientos or Brandon Nimmo," Mendoza said.

(from 4:54 mark onwards)

The Mets manager declared that he is indeed spoiled for choice given the recent key acquisitions that the team has made, including the mercurial Soto.

"There's a lot of different ways that we can go. I'm still waiting for Spring Training to where we're at. The good thing is that they're willing to do whatever it takes and that's what makes them great players and great teammates," he added.

Mendoza will certainly have his work cut out for him given the talent that is present in the National League. Nevertheless, the talent that his lineup boasts heading into the new season is certainly intriguing as the Mets look to capture their first title since 1986.