Juan Soto Debuts New Braided Look Ahead of 2nd Season With Mets

The superstar outfielder is ready to build on his dominant 2025 campaign in New York.

Feb. 8, 2026 at 4:55pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

All-Star outfielder Juan Soto has debuted a new braided hairstyle as he prepares for his second season with the New York Mets. Soto, who was acquired by the Mets last offseason, is coming off a dominant 2025 campaign in which he set the franchise's single-season walks record and posted a .921 OPS with 43 home runs and 105 RBIs. The 27-year-old has quickly become a centerpiece of the Mets' lineup and is expected to play a key role as the team aims to make a deep playoff run in 2026.

Why it matters

Soto's continued development and production will be crucial to the Mets' championship aspirations. As one of the most talented young players in baseball, his ability to build on his breakout 2025 season could help propel the Mets to new heights.

The details

Soto revealed his new braided hairstyle in a video posted to social media on Sunday, showcasing his confidence and personality as he prepares for the upcoming season. The change in appearance reflects Soto's growing stature in the sport, as he has established himself as one of the game's elite players over the past seven seasons with the Nationals, Padres, Yankees, and now the Mets.

  • Soto will finish representing the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic before joining the Mets for spring training.
  • The 2026 MLB season is set to begin in late March.

The players

Juan Soto

A 27-year-old All-Star outfielder who was acquired by the New York Mets in a trade last offseason. Soto is coming off a dominant 2025 campaign and is expected to be a key piece of the Mets' lineup as they aim to make a deep playoff run in 2026.

New York Mets

A Major League Baseball team based in New York City that is looking to build on an aggressive offseason and make a deep playoff run in 2026.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

Soto will join the Mets for spring training after finishing his participation in the World Baseball Classic, where he is representing the Dominican Republic.

The takeaway

Soto's new braided hairstyle reflects his growing confidence and star power as he enters his second season with the Mets. As one of the most talented young players in baseball, his continued development will be crucial to the Mets' championship aspirations in 2026.