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. Known for his exceptional hitting abilities and plate discipline, Soto is a five-time Silver Slugger Award winner and a four-time All-Star. He has previously played for the Washington Nationals, San Diego Padres, and New York Yankees, establishing himself as one of the league's premier offensive talents. Soto is considered a key player on any team he is on.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1998: First player born in 1998 to play in MLB

On May 20, 2018, Juan Soto made his major-league debut with the Washington Nationals, becoming the first player born in 1998 to appear in a major-league game.

July 2015: 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, marking the beginning of his professional baseball career.

2015: Signed with the Nationals as an International Free Agent

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

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, appearing in six games and showcasing his talent with a .429 batting average.

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, recognizing his potential in baseball.

May 20, 2018: Major League Debut

On May 20, 2018, Juan Soto made his major-league debut with the Washington Nationals, 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: MLB All-Star Team Selection for Japan All-Star Series

After the 2018 season, Juan Soto was selected to the MLB All-Star Team for the 2018 MLB Japan All-Star Series, marking an international recognition of his talent.

2018: Record-Breaking Rookie Season

In 2018, Juan Soto had a remarkable rookie season, slashing .292/.406/.517 and setting multiple MLB teenage records. He was named NL Rookie of the Month three times but finished second in Rookie of the Year voting.

2018: MLB Debut

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

2018: Minor League Promotions

In 2018, Juan Soto started the season with Hagerstown, was promoted to Potomac in late April, and then to Harrisburg in mid-May, showcasing his rapid development in the minor leagues.

2019: World Series Win and Babe Ruth Award

In 2019, Juan Soto and the Nationals won the World Series, with Soto batting .333/.438/.741. Soto was also named co-winner of the 2019 Babe Ruth Award and to the All-MLB Second Team.

2019: World Series Championship

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

2020: National League Batting Title

In 2020, Juan Soto won the National League batting title with a .351 average, marking a significant achievement in his career.

April 6, 2021: Walk-Off Single

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

2021: Exceptional Season and MLB-Low Swing Rate

In 2021, Juan Soto batted .313/.465/.534 with 29 home runs and reinforced his reputation as a disciplined hitter, leading MLB in on-base percentage for the second time by age 22 and swinging at an MLB-low 15.1% of pitches outside the strike zone.

2021: Contract Extension Offer 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 Padres

On August 2, 2022, Juan Soto and Josh Bell were traded by the Nationals to the San Diego Padres in exchange for CJ Abrams, MacKenzie Gore, Robert Hassell, James Wood, Jarlín Susana, and Luke Voit. The trade's magnitude was compared to the Herschel Walker trade in the NFL.

2022: Traded to the Padres

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

2022: Rejected Contract Extension

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

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, becoming the second youngest Home Run Derby winner.

2022: Season with the Padres and NLCS Appearance

In 2022, after being traded to the Padres, Juan Soto played 51 games, compiling a .236 batting average. The Padres reached the NLCS, where Soto hit two home runs in the series, but they lost to the Philadelphia Phillies.

December 6, 2023: Traded to the New York Yankees

On December 6, 2023, Juan Soto, along with Trent Grisham, was traded by the San Diego Padres to the New York Yankees 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, continuing his MLB journey with a new team.

December 11, 2024: Signed with the New York Mets

On December 11, 2024, Juan Soto signed a 15-year, $765 million contract with the New York Mets, including a $75 million signing bonus and a club option between 2030–2039.

2024: Signed with the Mets

After becoming a free agent for the first time in his career, Juan Soto signed a 15-year, $765 million contract with the New York Mets in the offseason of 2024, the largest contract in professional sports history.