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.