Juan Soto Gets Advice from Yordan Alvarez Ahead of All-Star Game
Juan Soto met fellow slugger Yordan Alvarez on July 10, 2026, to pick up hitting tips and mental tricks ahead of the 2026 MLB All-Star Game, leaving the young outfielder visibly excited about the advice.
What happened?
At a private gathering in Houston, Alvarez, the Astros’ power hitter, sat down with Soto, who is slated to start for the National League. The two exchanged stories about adjusting to big-stage pressure and shared specific drills that helped Alvarez thrive in the American League. Soto walked away with a new pre-game routine that includes a short-batting-tee session Alvarez swears by.
Why does it matter for Juan Soto?
Soto’s last All-Star appearance ended with a modest .250 slash line, a dip from his usual .320-plus production. By tapping into Alvarez’s experience-who hit 41 home runs last season-Soto hopes to boost his power numbers when the National League faces the American League’s best. The meeting also underscores Soto’s willingness to learn from rivals, a trait that could translate into more clutch hits during the midsummer classic.
How will the advice be applied?
Soto told reporters he will incorporate Alvarez’s “two-step timing drill” into his daily routine at the Nationals’ training facility. He also plans to adopt the Astros’ mental-focus cue: visualizing the pitch trajectory for three seconds before the at-bat. The adjustments are set to be tested during the All-Star Game on July 14, where Soto will bat third in the lineup.
What’s next for the two sluggers?
Alvarez will return to Houston for the Astros’ regular-season series against the Washington Nationals starting July 16. Both players are expected to keep the dialogue open, with a possible joint charity event slated for later in the month. Their collaboration highlights a growing trend of cross-league mentorship that could reshape how stars prepare for marquee events.
The All-Star Game will be played at Dodger Stadium, and Soto’s newfound routine will be on full display. If his numbers improve, the meeting could be cited as a turning point in his 2026 campaign.