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 in MLB. He is recognized as one of baseball's premier hitters, known for his exceptional plate discipline and power. Previously, he played for the Washington Nationals, San Diego Padres, and New York Yankees. Soto is a five-time Silver Slugger Award winner and a four-time All-Star. His career highlights include helping the Washington Nationals win the 2019 World Series.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1989: Compared to Ken Griffey Jr.

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

1993: Second Youngest Home Run Derby Winner

In 2022, Juan Soto became the second youngest Home Run Derby winner behind Juan González, who won in 1993.

1998: First Player Born in 1998 to Appear in MLB

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

2004: Most Walks since Barry Bonds

In 2021, Juan Soto's total of 145 walks was the highest in a single season since Barry Bonds set the major league record with 232 in 2004.

2004: Compared to Barry Bonds

In the 2020 season, Juan Soto posted the highest on-base percentage (.490), slugging percentage (.695), and on-base plus slugging (1.185) since Barry Bonds in the 2004 season.

2012: Harper's Teenage Home Run

In 2012, Bryce Harper hit a home run as a teenager, a feat later matched by Juan Soto.

July 2015: Signed with Nationals as Free Agent

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

2015: Signed with the Nationals

In 2015, Juan Soto signed with the Washington Nationals as an international free agent.

September 2016: Promoted to Auburn Doubledays

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

September 2017: Rehabilitation Stint and Hamstring Injury

In September 2017, Juan Soto had a second rehabilitation stint with the GCL Nationals before injuring his hamstring and being shut down for the season.

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. He was the youngest player in the major leagues at 19 years, 207 days.

2018: Selected for 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.

2018: Record-Breaking Rookie Season

In 2018, Juan Soto had a standout rookie season, slashing .292/.406/.517 and setting multiple MLB teenage records. He also won the NL Rookie of the Month award three times.

2018: MLB Debut

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

2018: Call Up to Major Leagues

In 2018, Juan Soto started the season with Hagerstown and after promotions to Potomac and Harrisburg, on May 20, he was called up to the major leagues by the Nationals.

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

On August 19, 2019, Juan Soto became the fourth player in MLB history to record 100 extra-base hits before his 21st birthday.

2019: World Series Champion

In 2019, Juan Soto played a key part in the Washington Nationals' first World Series championship, earning him the Babe Ruth Award.

2019: Won World Series and Babe Ruth Award

In 2019, the Washington Nationals won the World Series, and Juan Soto played a key role. Soto was named co-winner of the 2019 Babe Ruth Award and was selected for the All-MLB Second Team.

2020: National League Batting Title

In 2020, Juan Soto won the National League batting title with a .351 average.

2020: Transition to Right Field

Late in the 2020 season, the Nationals began deploying Juan Soto as their starting right fielder.

April 6, 2021: First Career Walk-Off Hit

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

2021: Disciplined Hitter in Baseball

In 2021, Juan Soto batted .313/.465/.534 and reinforced his reputation as the most disciplined hitter in baseball. Soto also joined Ted Williams as the only players in MLB history to have led the major leagues in on-base percentage multiple times by age 22.

2021: Soto Becomes Everyday Right Fielder

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

2021: Soto Donates to Dominican Athletes

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

2021: Contract Extension Declined

Prior to the 2021-22 MLB lockout, the Nationals offered Juan Soto a 13-year, $350 million contract extension, which Soto declined.

March 22, 2022: Agreed to Contract with Nationals

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

August 2, 2022: Traded to Padres

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

2022: Traded to the Padres

At the 2022 trade deadline, Juan Soto was traded to the San Diego Padres.

2022: Rejected Contract Extension

During the 2022 season, Juan Soto reportedly rejected a 15-year, $440 million contract extension offer by the Nationals.

2022: Soto's 2022 Season Statistics

In 2022, Juan Soto played a total of 152 games. His stats included a .242 batting average, 27 home runs, 62 RBIs, and an MLB-leading 135 walks. He also led the major leagues with a 20.3% walk rate and had the highest walk/strikeout rate at 1.41. Soto also swung at fewer pitches outside the strike zone (19.9%) than any other major league batter.

2022: All-Star Game and Home Run Derby Win

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

2022: Played for Padres and Reached NLCS

In the remainder of the 2022 season after being traded, Juan Soto played 51 games with the Padres and reached the NLCS.

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, thereby avoiding salary arbitration.

January 2023: Brother Signed with Nationals

In January 2023, Juan Soto's younger brother, Elian, signed with the Washington Nationals as an international free agent.

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 in exchange for Michael King, Drew Thorpe, Jhony Brito, Randy Vásquez, and Kyle Higashioka.

2023: Traded to the Yankees

Following the 2023 season, Juan Soto was traded to the New York Yankees.

2023: Soto Plays in World Baseball Classic

In 2023, Juan Soto played for the Dominican Republic national team in the World Baseball Classic, where he led or tied for the team lead in hits, doubles, home runs, walks, and OPS. He also had an outfield assist against Nicaragua.

December 11, 2024: Soto Signs Record-Breaking Contract with Mets

On December 11, 2024, Juan Soto signed a 15-year, $765 million contract with the New York Mets. This was the largest contract in professional sports history and included a $75 million signing bonus.

2024: Soto Agrees to Contract with Yankees

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

2024: Soto's 2024 Season Statistics

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

2024: Signed with the Mets

In 2024, Juan Soto signed a 15-year, $765 million contract with the New York Mets, the largest contract in professional sports history.

2024: Soto Named AL Player of the Week and All-Star

In 2024, Juan Soto was named the AL Player of the Week after slashing .435/.500/1.000, including a game with 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: Soto's Performance in ALCS and World Series

On October 19, 2024, Juan Soto hit a three-run homer in Game 5 of the American League Championship Series, propelling the Yankees to the World Series. Soto's performance in the 2024 postseason included a .327 batting average, 4 home runs, and 9 RBIs in 14 games. He became a free agent following the World Series.

2024: Intention to Become a Free Agent

Prior to the 2021-22 MLB Lockout, Juan Soto declined a contract extension with the Nationals, stating that he intended to become a free agent after the 2024 season.

March 28, 2025: Soto Hits First Home Run as a Met

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

2034: Contract Extension Through 2034

Prior to the 2021-22 MLB lockout, the Nationals offered Juan Soto a 13-year, $350 million contract extension which would've signed the then 23-year-old Soto through his age 35 season in 2034. However, Soto declined the offer.