San Diego Padres right fielder Juan Soto. Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Padres slugger Juan Soto to play in Dominican Baseball League semifinals

By Mike Santa Barbara | Last updated 12/16/22

While some Major League Baseball players take the chance to relax and recuperate following the long, grueling baseball season, others, like San Diego Padres slugger Juan Soto, keep the train rolling.

According to Grandes en los Deportes, Soto plans to play in the Dominican Professional Baseball League round-robin semifinals next week for Tigres del Licey.

MLB insider Hector Gomez confirmed Soto's plans, adding that the two-time All-Star could make his debut as soon as Monday when the semifinals begin.

Soto's team, Tigres del Licey, leads the league standings with a record of 32-15.

Tigres del Licey is one of the most storied teams in the league. They've made it to the league championship five times since 2013-14 but haven't won a title since 2016-17, knocking off Aguilas Cibaenas. Tigres del Licey and Aguilas Cibaenas have the most titles in league history, with 22 apiece.

The 24-year-old Soto had another All-Star season in 2022, splitting time with the Washington Nationals and Padres. In August, the Nationals dealt Soto and first baseman Josh Bell to the Padres in exchange for a massive package that included CJ Abrams and MacKenzie Gore.

Soto struggled a bit after the change of address, batting .236/.388/390 with six home runs and 16 RBI in 52 games with San Diego. Soto and the Padres advanced to the National League Championship Series, where the Philadelphia Phillies eliminated them in five games. In 12 postseason games, Soto slashed .239/.314/.413 with two homers and seven RBI.

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