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 Dominican professional baseball outfielder currently playing for the New York Mets. Known for his exceptional hitting ability and plate discipline, Soto has garnered numerous accolades throughout his career, including six Silver Slugger Awards and four All-Star selections. He has previously played for the Washington Nationals, San Diego Padres, and New York Yankees, establishing himself as one of the premier offensive talents in Major League Baseball.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1989: Youngest player intentionally walked since Ken Griffey Jr.

In May 29, 2018, Juan Soto became the youngest major league player since Ken Griffey Jr. in 1989 to be intentionally walked in a game.

1998: First Player Born in 1998 to Appear in MLB

On May 20, 2018, Juan Soto was the first player born in 1998 to appear in a Major League Baseball game.

2009: First world series appearance since 2009

July 2015: Signed as International Free Agent

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

2015: Signed with the Nationals

In 2015, Juan Soto signed with the Washington Nationals as an international free agent, marking the beginning of his professional baseball career.

September 2016: Promoted to Auburn Doubledays

In September 2016, near the end of the season, Juan Soto was promoted to the Auburn Doubledays of the Class A-Short Season New York-Penn League after a successful stint in the Gulf Coast League.

July 2017: Ranked Nationals' Second-Best Prospect

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

September 2017: Rehab Stint and Season Shut Down

In September 2017, Juan Soto had a second rehabilitation stint with the GCL Nationals, but he injured his hamstring and was shut down for the season.

May 20, 2018: Major League Debut

On May 20, 2018, Juan Soto made his major-league debut, becoming the youngest player in the major leagues at 19 years, 207 days, and the first player born in 1998 to appear in a major-league game.

2018: Selected to MLB All-Star Team

After the 2018 season, Juan Soto was selected to the MLB All-Star Team for the 2018 MLB Japan All-Star Series, recognizing his outstanding performance.

2018: Record-Breaking Teenage Season

In 2018, Juan Soto had a standout season, setting numerous MLB teenage records and becoming the youngest player in the NL. He slashed .292/.406/.517 with 79 walks, 22 home runs, and 70 RBIs and he also was named NL Rookie of the Month three times.

2018: MLB Debut

In 2018, Juan Soto made his Major League Baseball debut and was a runner-up for the National League Rookie of the Year Award.

2018: Minor League Promotions and MLB Call-Up

In 2018, Juan Soto received promotions from Hagerstown to Potomac and then to Harrisburg before the Nationals called him up to the major leagues on May 20 to reinforce their outfield.

August 19, 2019: 100 Extra-Base Hits Before 21st Birthday

On August 19, 2019, Juan Soto became only the fourth player in MLB history to record 100 extra-base hits before his 21st birthday, joining a select group of baseball legends.

2019: World Series Championship

In 2019, Juan Soto played a key role in the Nationals' first World Series championship, which led to him earning the Babe Ruth Award.

2019: Won World Series

In 2019, the Nationals won the World Series, their first in franchise history, where Juan Soto played a pivotal role. Soto batted .333/.438/.741 with 3 home runs and 7 RBIs and he was named co-winner of the Babe Ruth Award.

2020: National League Batting Title

In 2020, Juan Soto won the National League batting title with a .351 average, adding to his growing list of achievements.

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, marking a memorable moment in his career.

2021: Exceptional Season and MLB-Leading Stats

In 2021, Juan Soto batted .313/.465/.534 with 29 home runs and displayed exceptional discipline, leading the MLB in on-base percentage for the second time by age 22 and in several other statistical categories.

2021: Contract Extension Declined

Prior to the 2021–22 MLB lockout, the Nationals offered Juan Soto a 13-year, $350 million contract extension, which he declined, opting to wait until free agency after the 2024 season.

March 22, 2022: Agreed to Contract with Nationals

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

August 2, 2022: Traded to the San Diego Padres

On August 2, 2022, Juan Soto, along with Josh Bell, was traded from the Nationals to the San Diego Padres in exchange for CJ Abrams, MacKenzie Gore, Robert Hassell, James Wood, Jarlín Susana, and Luke Voit. The magnitude of the trade drew comparisons to the Herschel Walker trade in the NFL.

2022: Traded to Padres

At the 2022 trade deadline, Juan Soto was traded to the San Diego Padres, marking a significant change in his MLB career.

2022: 2022 Season Performance

In 2022, Juan Soto played a total of 152 games, achieving a .242 batting average, hitting 27 home runs, and recording 62 RBIs. He led MLB with 135 walks, achieving a walk rate of 20.3%, the highest in the major leagues. Soto also had the highest walk/strikeout rate at 1.41 and swung at the lowest percentage of pitches outside the strike zone at 19.9%.

2022: Contract Extension Rejection

In 2022, Juan Soto reportedly rejected a 15-year, $440 million contract extension offer by the Nationals, signaling a potential change in his career path.

2022: All-Star and Home Run Derby Winner

In 2022, Juan Soto was named to the MLB All-Star Game and won the MLB Home Run Derby, becoming the second youngest Home Run Derby winner.

January 13, 2023: Signed $23 Million Contract with Padres

On January 13, 2023, Juan Soto signed a one-year, $23 million contract with the Padres, avoiding salary arbitration. During the 2023 season, he played in all 162 games, achieving a .275 batting average, hitting 35 home runs, recording 109 RBIs, and leading MLB with 132 walks.

December 6, 2023: Traded to the New York Yankees

On December 6, 2023, Juan Soto, along with Trent Grisham, was traded by the Padres to the New York Yankees in exchange for Michael King, Drew Thorpe, Jhony Brito, Randy Vásquez, and Kyle Higashioka.

2023: Traded to Yankees

Following the 2023 season, Juan Soto was traded to the New York Yankees, continuing his journey in Major League Baseball.

December 11, 2024: Signed $765 Million Contract with the Mets

On December 11, 2024, Juan Soto signed a 15-year, $765 million contract with the New York Mets, which is 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, with an opt-out clause after the 2029 season if the option was declined.

2024: Yankees ALCS and World Series Appearance

In 2024, Juan Soto hit a three-run homer in the 10th inning of Game 5 of the American League Championship Series, leading the Yankees to a 5–2 lead over the Cleveland Guardians, propelling them to their first World Series appearance since 2009. The Yankees, however, lost to the Los Angeles Dodgers in five games. Soto's postseason performance included a .327 batting average, .469 on-base percentage, 1.102 slugging percentage, 4 homers, and 9 RBIs in 14 games. Following the World Series, Soto became a free agent.

2024: Signed with the Mets

In 2024, after becoming a free agent for the first time, Juan Soto signed a 15-year, $765 million contract with the Mets, which is the largest contract in professional sports history.

2024: 2024 Season Statistics

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

2024: Agreed to One-Year Contract with Yankees

Prior to the start of the 2024 season, Juan Soto and the 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 against Hunter Brown of the Houston Astros, securing a 3–1 victory for the Mets and their first win of the season.

2025: Joined the 30-30 Club

In 2025, Juan Soto joined the 30–30 club after stealing his 30th base of the season, 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 Statistics and Silver Slugger Award

Juan Soto finished the 2025 season batting .263/.396/.525 with a career-high 43 home runs and 105 RBI. He led the National League in OBP and stolen bases, with a career-high 38, and he led the league with 127 walks. He also 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.