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 ability and plate discipline, Soto has garnered numerous accolades throughout his career. He's a five-time Silver Slugger Award winner, recognizing him as one of the best offensive outfielders in the league. Furthermore, he's a four-time All-Star, showcasing his consistent high level of performance and popularity among fans. Prior to joining the Mets, Soto played for the Washington Nationals, San Diego Padres, and New York Yankees.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1989: Intentional Walk Since Griffey Jr.

On May 29, Juan Soto became the youngest major league player since Ken Griffey Jr. in 1989 to be intentionally walked in a game when Baltimore Orioles manager Buck Showalter elected to do so.

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

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

July 2015: Signed with Washington Nationals

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 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, appearing in six games.

July 2017: Ranked as Nationals' Second-Best Prospect

In July 2017, MLB Pipeline ranked Juan Soto as the Nationals' second-best prospect and the 42nd-best prospect overall. Soto also had a rehabilitation stint with the GCL Nationals.

September 2017: Second Rehabilitation Stint and Season End

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, becoming the youngest player in the major leagues. He came on as a pinch-hitter against the Los Angeles Dodgers and struck out swinging.

2018: MLB All-Star Team Selection

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 remarkable rookie season, slashing .292/.406/.517 with 79 walks, 22 home runs, and 70 RBIs. He was named the NL Rookie of the Month in June, July, and September, setting multiple MLB teenage records.

2018: MLB Debut

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

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.

2019: Won the World Series

In 2019, Juan Soto and the Washington Nationals won the World Series. Soto was named co-winner of the Babe Ruth Award and was selected for 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.

2020: Deployed as Starting Right Fielder

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 off Will Smith of the Atlanta Braves for his first career walk-off hit.

2021: Disciplined Hitter in Baseball

In 2021, Juan Soto batted .313/.465/.534 and swinging at an MLB-low 15.1% of pitches outside the strike zone. He 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: 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.

2021: Contract Extension Offer

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

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.

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 Washington Nationals.

2022: 2022 Season Performance

In 2022, Juan Soto played a total of 152 games combined with both teams. He had a .242 batting average, 27 home runs, 62 RBIs, and led MLB with 135 walks. Soto also led the major leagues with a 20.3% walk rate and had the highest walk/strikeout rate at 1.41. Additionally, he swung at pitches outside the strike zone less frequently than any other major league batter in 2022.

2022: All-Star Game and Home Run Derby

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

January 13, 2023: Signed 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: Traded to Yankees

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

2023: Traded to the Yankees

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

2023: Played in World Baseball Classic

In 2023, Juan Soto played for the Dominican Republic national team in the World Baseball Classic. He led or tied for the team lead in hits, doubles, home runs, walks, and OPS. He also had an outfield assist against Nicaragua and hit a home run in a knockout loss to Puerto Rico.

December 11, 2024: Signed with the Mets

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

2024: Rankings in walk rate and on-base percentage

At the conclusion of the 2024 season, Soto is known for his exceptional plate discipline, ranking 5th all-time in walk rate and 17th all-time in career on-base percentage among hitters with at least 4,000 plate appearances.

2024: Free Agency Wait

In 2021, Juan Soto declined a contract extension offer from the Nationals, expressing his intention to wait until he became a free agent after the 2024 season to sign a contract.

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

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

2024: Signed with Mets

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

2024: 2024 Season Stats

Juan Soto finished the 2024 MLB season batting .288/.419/.569 with 41 home runs and 109 RBIs. He was also second in MLB in walks with 129.

2024: ALCS Game 5 Homer and World Series Appearance

On October 19, 2024, Juan Soto hit a three-run homer in the top of the 10th inning in Game 5 of the 2024 American League Championship Series, giving the Yankees a 5–2 lead over the Cleveland Guardians. This propelled the Yankees to the World Series. Soto finished the 2024 postseason batting .327/.469/1.102 with 4 homers and 9 RBIs in 14 games.

2024: Agreement with Yankees

Prior to the start of the 2024 season, Juan Soto and the Yankees avoided salary arbitration, agreeing to a one-year contract worth $31 million.

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.

2029: Opt-out Clause

Juan Soto's contract signed on December 11, 2024 with the New York Mets includes a clause where if the club option between 2030-2039 is declined, he would be allowed to opt out after the 2029 season.

2030: Contract Option with the Mets

Juan Soto's contract signed on December 11, 2024 with the New York Mets contains a club option between 2030-2039 that would increase the base salary by $4 million per year.

2034: Contract Through 2034

Prior to the 2021-22 MLB lockout, the Nationals offered Juan Soto a 13-year contract extension that would have kept him with the team through his age 35 season in 2034.

2039: Contract Option with the Mets

Juan Soto's contract signed on December 11, 2024 with the New York Mets contains a club option between 2030-2039 that would increase the base salary by $4 million per year.