The interactions within the realm of sports often go beyond the playing field. One such playful exchange reportedly happened when Juan Sotos arrived at the San Diego Padres in 2022. The player showed his interest in acquiring his iconic number 22 jersey, which was already possessed by pitcher Nick Martinez. Renowned for their playful dynamics with one another, Martinez seized the moment, playfully requesting Soto for a boat in exchange for the number.

However, Soto looked amused and shocked at the same time, proposing a more practical deal instead—a top-quality watch—in exchange for the jersey. Even though no boat changed owners at the end of it all, this tale beautifully illustrates the back and forths that frequently take place in negotiations, behind closed doors. A video posted on Instagram on Tuesday showcased Nick Martinez recalling his joyful interaction with Soto.

Juan Soto’s lighthearted bargain with former teammate

Martinez said, “I was a bit ambitious. I asked for a boat. It’s no secret what the dude’s making and what he is about to make, so you know I shot high.” He also explained that there was a large sum of money paid for a jersey, so, he thought that he could receive a similar amount or more for his too. Martinez further added how it might enable him to purchase a boat, which he claimed to name after Juan Soto after hearing the demand: “He (Soto) was like, How about a watch? I said sounds good.”

Throughout Juan Soto’s journey in Major League Baseball (MLB), the number 22 holds significance—it represents his rise as one of the league’s standout talents while playing for the Washington Nationals and winning the World Series in 2019 with them. Reacquiring this number in San Diego was not for consistency but for maintaining a crucial aspect of his persona, on the baseball field.

The unwritten rules of baseball

Baseball culture and tradition closely link players to their jersey numbers as they hold meaning and sentimental value for the players involved in the game. While some players exchange numbers when new team members arrive or veterans pass down a cherished number to a rising star, others keep their numbers as a matter of pride. It’s quite typical for a player to propose trading a car, a watch, or even some cash for a jersey number if it means something to them or is considered prestigious within the team circle.

Take David Ortiz as an example; he joined the Boston Red Sox back in 2003 and decided to wear No. 34 after Nomar Garciaparra agreed to give it up in exchange for a present. However, the details of the deal were never made public. Also, when Mike Piazza joined the New York Mets after a trade, he chose to wear the number 31 jersey and initiated a trend of exchanging numbers in baseball. Similarly, Juan Soto and Nick Martinez are also part of this tradition; it reflects the companionship and mutual respect within the team’s clubhouse, where players connect through their jersey numbers as a means of bonding with each other.

Trading numbers is a practice that holds significance and signifies a passing of traditions and guidance from seasoned veterans down the line toward younger players in the team. Whether done in jest or with intent, the customs add to the atmosphere of the sport, fostering strong bonds that play a role in achieving success both during games and in other aspects of life.