WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. -- The accolades and awards don¡¯t change the approach.

Coming off a standout 2021 campaign in which Juan Soto finished second in National League MVP voting, garnered his first All-Star selection, led the league in walks at a historic rate and earned his second Silver Slugger honors, the 23-year-old right fielder is entering his fifth season with the same outlook that has helped him reach an elite level of baseball prowess.

¡°For me, all the MVP votes and everything, I just try to focus on the game, just try to get myself ready and come like I was last year,¡± Soto said on Monday. ¡°I was ready, I was physically ready to go and that¡¯s where I focus more. Even if they talk about that, I just try to focus on myself.¡±

With an emphasis on consistency, Soto began training in the Dominican Republic around the regularly scheduled Spring Training report date during the lockout. He got together with a group of players, including teammate Victor Robles and Nationals prospect Omar Meregildo, that filled two squads. It was important for Soto to stay prepared at the plate -- ¡°I just tried to keep swinging the bat; it didn¡¯t matter where I was,¡± he said -- and remain in shape.

¡°I¡¯m ready to go,¡± Soto said. ¡°You see me, I¡¯m ready.¡±

This season, Soto will be tasked with a role that cannot be prepared for through practice or drills. On Sunday, general manager Mike Rizzo referred to the Nationals as ¡°Juan Soto¡¯s team.¡± He is being looked to for an increased leadership role in the absence of the recently retired Ryan Zimmerman, who Soto looked up to for being respectful and helpful to others.

While Soto reiterated he still feels like a rookie -- especially as the Nats are adding several established veterans this season -- the club has confidence in his leadership qualities, many of which come simply through his actions.

¡°He leads on the field by example,¡± said manager Dave Martinez. ¡°I don¡¯t want to change anything. Of course he¡¯s a leader, and I want him to understand that this team is focused around him, but also there¡¯s 25 other guys on this team. He understands that. When I talk to him, he says, ¡®I just want to be a good teammate and play hard for everybody on this team.¡¯ That¡¯s all I can ask for.¡±

As Soto focuses on the team, he puts talk of his future out of his mind. This includes his upcoming free agency in 2025. He is leaving the business side of the game to his agent, Scott Boras, while he concentrates on winning on the field.

¡°I always see my future here,¡± Soto said of the Nationals. ¡°I feel happy with the team, everything they¡¯ve done for me. I feel pretty good. I never think about leaving or anything like that. Right now, I just think about baseball and try to stay in shape and try to get another championship.¡±