Baseball Star Juan Soto Caught in Social Media Storm
New York Mets outfielder Juan Soto found himself at the center of an unexpected controversy this week during his visit to the Dominican Republic. The baseball superstar was enjoying a meal at a restaurant in Santo Domingo on Monday when an encounter with Evelina Garcia, the former wife of late Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Odalis Perez, escalated into a social media debate that captured attention across baseball communities.
The Restaurant Incident That Sparked Controversy
According to Garcia's account, she approached Soto while he was dining and requested a photograph of her young daughter with the baseball star. She claimed that Soto declined to pose for the picture, leading to her posting critical remarks on Instagram shortly after the incident. In her now-deleted post, Garcia accused the Mets player of lacking humility and empathy, writing specifically: "I'm sorry for you, Juan Soto. Practice this word so that you go far: humility."
The post quickly gained traction, accumulating hundreds of responses within minutes as baseball fans in both the Dominican Republic and the United States weighed in on the situation. Garcia notably mentioned in her message that she had never been a baseball fan, even during her marriage to the late MLB pitcher Odalis Perez.
Social Media Backlash Defends Soto
Contrary to Garcia's expectations, the social media reaction largely sided with Juan Soto rather than supporting her criticism. Numerous users came to the defense of the baseball star, arguing that athletes deserve private moments during personal time away from the field.
One X user commented: "You cannot bother someone who is eating. Let him relax." Another supporter wrote: "A player also needs quiet moments." The overwhelming negative response to her accusations ultimately led Garcia to delete the controversial post later that same evening.
The online incident coincided with a New York Post report detailing tension within the Mets organization during the previous season. The report highlighted personality differences between Soto and Francisco Lindor that created distance between the players, along with a heated exchange between Lindor and Jeff McNeil following a defensive mistake during a June 20 game in Philadelphia.
Soto's Performance Amid Team Struggles
Despite the reported clubhouse issues and recent social media controversy, Juan Soto delivered impressive statistics during the previous season. The star outfielder appeared in 160 games, hitting 43 home runs and collecting 152 hits. However, his individual success wasn't enough to propel the Mets into postseason contention, as the team struggled to find consistent rhythm throughout the year.
The incident raises questions about the boundaries between professional athletes' public responsibilities and their right to personal privacy, particularly during off-duty moments in their home countries.
