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. Prior to the Mets, he played for the Washington Nationals, San Diego Padres, and New York Yankees. Highly regarded for his hitting prowess, Soto has earned numerous accolades, including five Silver Slugger Awards and four All-Star selections. He is considered one of the premier young talents in MLB.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

July 2015: Signed with Nationals as International Free Agent

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

2015: Signed with Nationals as International Free Agent

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

September 2016: Promoted to Auburn Doubledays

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

July 2017: Ranked as Top Prospect

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

May 20, 2018: Major League Debut

On May 20, 2018, Soto made his major-league debut, becoming the youngest player in the major leagues at 19 years, 207 days.

2018: Rookie Season

In 2018, Soto had a strong rookie season, slashing .292/.406/.517. He was named NL Rookie of the Month in June, July, and September, setting MLB teenage records and finishing second in NL Rookie of the Year voting.

2018: Minor League Promotions

In 2018, Soto started the season with Hagerstown, was promoted to Potomac, and then to Harrisburg before being called up to the major leagues.

2019: World Series Champion

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

2019: World Series Win and Babe Ruth Award

In 2019, the Nationals won the World Series, with Soto playing a key role. He was named co-winner of the 2019 Babe Ruth Award and to the All-MLB Second Team.

2020: National League Batting Title

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

April 6, 2021: Walk-Off Single

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

2021: Statistical Dominance

In 2021, Soto batted .313/.465/.534 with 29 home runs, leading MLB in on-base percentage and walk percentage. He joined Ted Williams as the only players to lead the major leagues in on-base percentage multiple times by age 22.

2021: Contract Extension Offer

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

March 22, 2022: Agreed to Contract with Nationals

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

August 2, 2022: Traded to Padres

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

2022: Trade to Padres

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

2022: Rejected Contract Extension

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

2023: Traded to Yankees

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

2024: Free Agency Target

In 2021, Soto declined a contract extension, stating that he and his agent wanted to wait until he became a free agent after the 2024 season to sign a contract.

2024: Signed with Mets

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