Career Timeline of Juan Soto: Major Achievements and Milestones

How Juan Soto built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Juan Soto is a highly accomplished Dominican professional baseball outfielder currently playing for the New York Mets. Before joining the Mets, he played for the Washington Nationals, San Diego Padres, and New York Yankees. Soto's career is highlighted by his exceptional offensive skills, earning him six Silver Slugger Awards and four All-Star selections. He is considered one of baseball's premier hitters, known for his plate discipline, power, and overall offensive prowess.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

July 2015: Soto signed with the Washington Nationals

In July 2015, Juan Soto signed with the Washington Nationals as an international free agent for a $1.5 million signing bonus.

September 2016: Promotion to Auburn Doubledays

In September 2016, Juan Soto was promoted to the Auburn Doubledays of the Class A-Short Season New York-Penn League near the end of the 2016 season.

July 2017: MLB Pipeline Ranking

In July 2017, MLB Pipeline ranked Juan Soto as the Nationals' second-best prospect and the 42nd-best among all prospects.

May 20, 2018: Major League Debut

On May 20, 2018, Juan Soto made his major-league debut for the Washington Nationals against the Los Angeles Dodgers, becoming the youngest player in the major leagues at 19 years, 207 days.

2018: Stellar Rookie Season

In 2018, Juan Soto slashed .292/.406/.517, won three NL Rookie of the Month awards, and set multiple MLB teenage records, finishing second in NL Rookie of the Year voting.

2018: Top Prospect and Promotions

In 2018, Juan Soto started the season with Hagerstown, later being promoted to the Potomac Nationals, and then to the Harrisburg Senators.

2020: Hitting Statistics

At the conclusion of the 2020 season, Soto had hit 69 career home runs in MLB and divided them evenly by direction: 23 to left field, 23 to center field, and 23 to right field.

2020: Started playing right field

Late in the 2020 season, Juan Soto began to be deployed as the Nationals' starting right fielder.

April 6, 2021: First Career Walk-Off Hit

On April 6, 2021, Juan Soto hit a walk-off single off Will Smith of the Atlanta Braves for his first career walk-off hit.

2021: Everyday Right Fielder

In 2021, Juan Soto became the Nationals' everyday right fielder.

2021: Donation to Dominican Athletes

In 2021, Juan Soto donated $200,000 to Dominican athletes participating in that year's Summer Olympics.

March 22, 2022: Contract Agreement with Nationals

On March 22, 2022, Juan Soto agreed to a $17.1 million contract with the Nationals, avoiding arbitration.

August 2, 2022: Trade to the San Diego Padres

On August 2, 2022, Juan Soto and Josh Bell were traded by the Nationals to the San Diego Padres.

2022: 2022 Season Statistics

In 2022, Juan Soto played a combined 152 games, achieving a .242 batting average, hitting 27 home runs, and recording 62 RBIs. He led MLB with 135 walks and had a major-league-leading walk rate of 20.3%.

January 13, 2023: Soto signs with Padres

On January 13, 2023, Juan Soto signed a one-year, $23 million contract with the San Diego Padres, thus avoiding salary arbitration.

December 6, 2023: Soto Traded to Yankees

On December 6, 2023, Juan Soto and Trent Grisham were traded by the San Diego Padres to the New York Yankees for Michael King, Drew Thorpe, Jhony Brito, Randy Vásquez, and Kyle Higashioka.

December 11, 2024: Soto signs record contract with Mets

On December 11, 2024, Juan Soto signed a 15-year, $765 million contract with the New York Mets, marking the largest contract in professional sports history. The contract included a $75 million signing bonus and a club option between 2030 and 2039 that would increase the base salary by $4 million per year. If the club declined the option, Soto could opt out after the 2029 season.

2024: Soto reaches the World Series, finishes third in MVP voting

In 2024, Juan Soto reached the World Series in his lone season with the New York Yankees, and finished third in American League (AL) Most Valuable Player (MVP) voting.

2024: AL Player of the Week and All-Star Selection

In 2024, Juan Soto was named the AL Player of the Week for the second time following a week of excellent performance, including two home runs against the San Francisco Giants. He was also selected as a starting outfielder for the American League in the 2024 MLB All-Star Game.

2024: 2024 Season Performance

In the 2024 season, Juan Soto finished with a .288 batting average, a .419 on-base percentage, and a .569 slugging percentage. He hit 41 home runs, recorded 109 RBIs, and was second in MLB with 129 walks.

2024: ALCS Game 5 Homer and World Series Appearance

On October 19, 2024, Juan Soto hit a three-run home run in the top of the 10th inning of Game 5 of the American League Championship Series, leading the Yankees to a 5–2 lead over the Cleveland Guardians and propelling them to their first World Series appearance since 2009. Soto finished the 2024 postseason with a .327 batting average, 4 home runs, and 9 RBIs in 14 games and subsequently became a free agent after the World Series, where the Yankees lost to the Los Angeles Dodgers in five games.

2024: Soto avoids arbitration with Yankees

Prior to the 2024 season, Juan Soto and the New York Yankees agreed to a one-year contract worth $31 million, avoiding salary arbitration.

March 28, 2025: First Home Run as a Met

On March 28, 2025, Juan Soto hit his first home run as a Met, a solo shot to right field off Houston Astros pitcher Hunter Brown, securing a 3–1 victory for the Mets and their first win of the season.

2025: Joins 30-30 Club

In 2025, Juan Soto joined the 30-30 club after stealing his 30th base, becoming the first player in 2025, and the fifth Met in history, to finish a season with at least 30 home runs and 30 stolen bases.

2025: 2025 Season Review and Silver Slugger Award

Juan Soto finished the 2025 season with a .263 batting average, a .396 on-base percentage, and a .525 slugging percentage. He achieved a career-high of 43 home runs and 105 RBIs and he led the National League in OBP and stolen bases, with a career-high 38, and he led the league with 127 walks. After the season, Soto won his sixth career Silver Slugger Award, becoming the second player in MLB history after Mike Hampton to win in three consecutive years with three different teams.