David Ortiz Defends Juan Soto in Fiery Live TV Rant: “He’s Just Getting Started!”

A Legendary Voice Speaks Out

Baseball fans witnessed a jaw-dropping moment on live TV as MLB Hall of Famer David Ortiz—better known as “Big Papi”—delivered a passionate defense of superstar Juan Soto, slamming critics and throwing full support behind the young phenom. The explosive moment unfolded during a primetime baseball segment, where Ortiz’s voice shook with conviction as he addressed the recent controversy surrounding Soto’s political stance and growing criticism from fans and media.

The Moment That Set Off the Firestorm

Ortiz’s fiery comments came in response to a panel discussion about the backlash Juan Soto has faced for publicly supporting players who kneel during the national anthem—an issue that has sparked heated debate across the league. As fellow analysts treaded lightly, Ortiz leaned in and erupted with emotion.

“Let me tell you something about that kid,” Ortiz said, pointing at the camera. “He’s not just one of the best hitters in the game—he’s a leader, and he’s got guts. You don’t like that? That’s your problem. He’s just getting started.”

The powerful statement immediately went viral across sports media, igniting a wave of reactions online.

Big Papi’s Legacy Adds Weight to His Words

David Ortiz isn’t just a former player—he’s an icon. A 10-time All-Star, three-time World Series champion, and one of the most beloved figures in the sport, Ortiz’s opinion carries serious weight. When someone like Big Papi speaks, the baseball world listens.

His defense of Soto didn’t just come from a place of talent evaluation—it came from personal experience. Ortiz himself faced criticism during his career for being outspoken and emotional, and he made it clear he sees a bit of himself in Soto.

“We don’t want robots out there,” he said. “We want players who care, who fight, who stand for something.”

Fans and Players React Instantly

Within minutes of the segment airing, social media exploded with clips and quotes from Ortiz’s fiery monologue. Hashtags like #BigPapiSaysIt, #StandWithSoto, and #RespectTheGame began trending as fans rallied around both Ortiz and Soto.

Current and former players chimed in too. Yankees slugger Aaron Judge tweeted, “Papi said it best. Respect.” Meanwhile, Mets ace Edwin Díaz posted on Instagram: “Ortiz is always real. Soto’s gonna be fine. Keep grinding, bro.”

Ortiz Challenges MLB and Media Narratives

Ortiz didn’t stop at defending Soto’s character—he also took aim at the media and MLB’s inconsistent messaging. “Don’t tell players to be themselves and then punish them when they do,” he said, referencing rumors that the league may discipline Soto for supporting peaceful protest.

His statement resonates amid broader conversations about athlete activism, freedom of expression, and the responsibility leagues have to protect their players—not silence them.

Juan Soto Responds with Class

Later that evening, Juan Soto responded to Ortiz’s support in a heartfelt post on X (formerly Twitter):

“Thank you, Big Papi. Your words mean everything. I’m proud to play this game, and I’ll keep doing it with passion, honesty, and love.”

The message was simple—but it added another layer of authenticity to the moment, reinforcing that Soto’s commitment to the game and his values remain unshaken.

Conclusion

David Ortiz’s explosive defense of Juan Soto isn’t just a viral soundbite—it’s a defining moment in a growing conversation about player identity, courage, and unity in professional sports. As the MLB season pushes forward, fans will continue to watch how Soto’s journey unfolds—but with Big Papi in his corner, it’s clear he’s not walking it alone.

As Ortiz said before signing off:
“You haven’t seen the best of Juan Soto yet. Believe that.”