History of Juan Soto in Timeline

Juan Soto is a Dominican professional baseball outfielder currently playing for the New York Mets in MLB. Previously, he played for the Washington Nationals, San Diego Padres, and New York Yankees. Known for his exceptional hitting ability and plate discipline, Soto is a six-time Silver Slugger Award winner and a four-time All-Star. His career has been marked by both individual accolades and high expectations, establishing him as one of the premier offensive talents in baseball.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1932: Lou Gehrig's Four Consecutive Home Runs

In 1932, Lou Gehrig achieved the feat of hitting a home run in four consecutive at-bats, a milestone Juan Soto later joined in 2024 as a Yankee.

1961: Johnny Blanchard's Four Consecutive Home Runs

In 1961, Johnny Blanchard achieved the feat of hitting a home run in four consecutive at-bats, a milestone Juan Soto later joined in 2024 as a Yankee.

1961: Expansion Era Start

Since 1961, the start of the expansion era, no Yankee had achieved a home run for 8 straight hits until Juan Soto did so in 2024. Juan Soto became the first Yankee in the expansion era (since 1961), to hit a home run for 8 straight hits (dating from August 11 against the Texas Rangers) and the first player in all of baseball since Joey Votto in July 2021.

1962: Mickey Mantle's Four Consecutive Home Runs

In 1962, Mickey Mantle achieved the feat of hitting a home run in four consecutive at-bats, a milestone Juan Soto later joined in 2024 as a Yankee.

1970: Bobby Murcer's Four Consecutive Home Runs

In 1970, Bobby Murcer achieved the feat of hitting a home run in four consecutive at-bats, a milestone Juan Soto later joined in 2024 as a Yankee.

1977: Reggie Jackson's Four Consecutive Home Runs

In 1977, Reggie Jackson achieved the feat of hitting a home run in four consecutive at-bats, a milestone Juan Soto later joined in 2024 as a Yankee.

May 1987: Darryl Strawberry's Achievement

Juan Soto joined Darryl Strawberry (May 1987) as the only Mets to produce a calendar month with at least 10 homers and 20 walks. On June 26, 2025, Juan Soto hit two home runs against the Braves in a 7–3 win, It was his 27th career multi-homer game, the most in major league history by a player before turning 27, surpassing Jimmie Foxx. Soto was named the National League Player of the Month for June, after slashing .322/.474/.722 with 11 home runs and 20 RBI. It was the first time he earned Player of the Month in his career.

1987: Strawberry and Johnson's 30-30 season

In 1987, Howard Johnson and Darryl Strawberry were teammates that achieved 30-30 in the same season. Also, Juan Soto and teammate Francisco Lindor became the third set of teammates in MLB history to ever go 30–30 in the same season, joining Howard Johnson and Darryl Strawberry (1987) and Dante Bichette and Ellis Burks (1996). On September 9, 2025, Soto joined the 30-30 club after stealing his 30th base of the season during a game against the Philadelphia Phillies. He became 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.

1989: Youngest Intentionally Walked Player Since Griffey Jr.

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

1993: Second Youngest Home Run Derby Winner

In 1993, Juan González became the youngest Home Run Derby winner and Juan Soto became the second youngest.

1996: Bichette and Burks' 30-30 season

In 1996, Dante Bichette and Ellis Burks were teammates that achieved 30-30 in the same season. Also, Juan Soto and teammate Francisco Lindor became the third set of teammates in MLB history to ever go 30–30 in the same season, joining Howard Johnson and Darryl Strawberry (1987) and Dante Bichette and Ellis Burks (1996). On September 9, 2025, Soto joined the 30-30 club after stealing his 30th base of the season during a game against the Philadelphia Phillies. He became 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.

October 25, 1998: Juan Soto Born

On October 25, 1998, Juan José Soto Pacheco was born in the Dominican Republic. He later became a professional baseball outfielder.

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.

2000: Anticipated Meeting Since 2000 World Series

In May 2025, Juan Soto made his first return to Yankee Stadium after signing with the Mets. ESPN.com described the return to the Stadium as "perhaps the most anticipated meeting between the clubs since the 2000 World Series."

2004: Statistical Comparison to Barry Bonds

In 2004, Barry Bonds had the highest on-base percentage, slugging percentage, and on-base plus slugging percentage for any major league hitter with at least 195 plate appearances in a season, matching Juan Soto's performance in 2020.

2004: Walks Since Barry Bonds

In 2004, Barry Bonds set the major league record with 232 walks and became the highest walks since Juan Soto in 2021.

2009: Yankees' Previous World Series Appearance

The Yankees had not reached the World Series since 2009, until Juan Soto's performance in 2024 helped propel them to the championship series. On October 19, 2024, Juan Soto hit a three-run home run in the top of the 10th inning of Game 5 of the 2024 American League Championship Series, giving the Yankees a 5–2 lead over the Cleveland Guardians and propelling them to their first World Series appearance since 2009.

2012: Teenager Home Run Since Harper

In 2012, Bryce Harper hit a home run at age 19 and became the first teenager to homer in a major-league game since Juan Soto.

July 2015: Signs 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: Soto signs with the Nationals

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

July 2017: Ranked Nationals' Second-Best Prospect

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

September 2017: Second Rehab Stint and Season End

In September 2017, Juan Soto had a second rehabilitation stint with the GCL Nationals for four games 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 at 19 years, 207 days.

2018: Selected to MLB All-Star Team 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.

2018: The "Soto Shuffle" Emerges

During his rookie season in 2018, Juan Soto gained notoriety for his unique movements in the batter's box after taking a pitch for a ball, known as the "Soto Shuffle."

2018: Stellar Rookie Season

In 2018, Juan Soto had a stellar rookie season, slashing .292/.406/.517 with 22 home runs and 70 RBIs, and was named NL Rookie of the Month three times. He finished second in voting for NL Rookie of the Year.

2018: Ascension Through the Minor Leagues

In 2018, Juan Soto started the season with Hagerstown, then was promoted to Potomac and later to Harrisburg before being called up to the major leagues by the Nationals in May.

2018: MLB Debut

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

August 19, 2019: Joins Elite Company with 100 Extra-Base Hits

On August 19, 2019, Juan Soto became the fourth player in MLB history to record 100 extra-base hits before his 21st birthday, joining Mel Ott, Tony Conigliaro, and Bryce Harper.

2019: Gold Glove Finalist

After the 2019 season, Juan Soto was a finalist for a Gold Glove Award as a left fielder.

2019: World Series Champion

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

2019: World Series Victory and Babe Ruth Award

In 2019, the Washington Nationals won the World Series, and Juan Soto played a crucial role, earning him the co-winning of the Babe Ruth Award with Stephen Strasburg. He was also named to the All-MLB Second Team.

2019: Mikolas' Response to Soto's Antics

In Game 1 of the 2019 National League Championship Series, St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Miles Mikolas responded to Juan Soto's antics in the batter's box by grabbing his own crotch after retiring Soto on a ground out.

July 23, 2020: Tests Positive for COVID-19

On July 23, 2020, just before the opening game of the shortened season, it was announced that Juan Soto had tested positive for COVID-19.

2020: Home Run Distribution in 2020

By the conclusion of the 2020 season, Juan Soto had hit 69 career home runs in MLB and distributed them evenly by direction: 23 to left field, 23 to center field, and 23 to right field.

2020: National League Batting Title

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

2020: Shift 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 his first career walk-off single off Will Smith of the Atlanta Braves.

July 2021: Joey Votto's Home Run Streak

In July 2021, Joey Votto achieved a home run streak. Juan Soto became the first Yankee in the expansion era (since 1961), to hit a home run for 8 straight hits (dating from August 11 against the Texas Rangers) and the first player in all of baseball since Joey Votto in July 2021.

2021: Disciplined Hitting and High Walk Totals

In 2021, Juan Soto batted .313/.465/.534 with 29 home runs and led the major leagues in on-base percentage, walk percentage, and intentional walks, establishing himself as one of baseball's most disciplined hitters. He also had the best walk/strikeout ratio in the majors.

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: Agrees 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 San Diego Padres

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

2022: Trade to the Padres

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

2022: 2022 Season Statistics

In 2022, Juan Soto played a total of 152 games, achieving a .242 batting average, hitting 27 home runs, recording 62 RBIs, and leading MLB with 135 walks. His walk percentage was 20.3%, the highest in the major leagues, and he had a walk/strikeout rate of 1.41, also the best in the majors. Notably, Soto swung at only 19.9% of pitches outside the strike zone, the lowest among major league batters in 2022.

2022: Rejects Contract Extension Offer

In 2022, Juan Soto reportedly rejected a 15-year, $440 million contract extension offer by the Washington 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.

2022: Gift to Nick Martinez

In 2022, after being traded to the Padres, Juan Soto gave Nick Martinez a "really nice watch" to retain his #22 uniform number.

January 13, 2023: Signed with the 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 Signs with Nationals

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

December 6, 2023: Traded to the New York 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: Trade to the Yankees

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

2023: World Baseball Classic Participation

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

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, marking the largest contract in professional sports history. The contract included a $75 million signing bonus and a club option between 2030–2039 that would increase the base salary by $4 million per year, which if declined would allow him to opt out after the 2029 season.

2024: Walk Rate and On-Base Percentage Ranking in 2024

By the conclusion of the 2024 season, Juan Soto ranked 5th all-time in walk rate and 17th all-time in career on-base percentage among hitters with at least 4,000 plate appearances, highlighting his exceptional plate discipline.

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

Following a week of exceptional performance, including two home runs against the San Francisco Giants, Juan Soto was named the AL Player of the Week for the second time in 2024. Additionally, Soto was chosen as a starting outfielder for the American League in the 2024 MLB All-Star Game.

2024: Free Agency

In 2024, Juan Soto wanted to wait until he became a free agent after the 2024 season to sign a contract.

2024: Signs with the Mets

In 2024, after becoming a free agent, Soto signed a 15-year, $765 million contract with the New York Mets, the largest contract in professional sports history. He also finished third in American League (AL) Most Valuable Player (MVP) voting.

2024: 2024 Season Statistics

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

2024: ALCS Homer and World Series Appearance

On October 19, 2024, Juan Soto hit a three-run home run in the top of the 10th inning of Game 5 of the 2024 American League Championship Series, giving the Yankees a 5–2 lead over the Cleveland Guardians and propelling them to their first World Series appearance since 2009. Soto concluded the 2024 postseason with a .327/.469/1.102 slash line, 4 home runs, and 9 RBIs in 14 games. Following the World Series, Soto became a free agent.

2024: Contract Agreement with Yankees

Prior to the start of the 2024 season, Juan Soto and the Yankees agreed to a one-year contract worth $31 million, thus 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 member of the New York Mets. This solo home run against Hunter Brown, a pitcher for the Houston Astros, secured a 3–1 victory for the Mets and marked their first win of the season.

2025: 2025 Season Performance and Awards

In 2025, Juan Soto finished the season with a .263 batting average, a .396 on-base percentage, and a .525 slugging percentage. He hit a career-high 43 home runs and recorded 105 RBIs. Soto led the National League in both OBP and stolen bases, with a career-high of 38 stolen bases, and also led the league with 127 walks. After the season, Soto won his sixth career Silver Slugger Award, becoming the second player in MLB history, after Mike Hampton, to win the award three consecutive years with three different teams.

2025: Joined the 30-30 club in 2025

In 2025, Juan Soto joined the 30–30 club after stealing his 30th base of the season during a game against the Philadelphia Phillies. He became 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. On September 9, Juan Soto joined the 30-30 club after stealing his 30th base of the season during a game against the Philadelphia Phillies. He became 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. Also, he and teammate Francisco Lindor became the third set of teammates in MLB history to ever go 30–30 in the same season, joining Howard Johnson and Darryl Strawberry (1987) and Dante Bichette and Ellis Burks (1996). On September 19 against the Washington Nationals, Soto hit his 42nd home run of the season, a three-run shot to center field off of pitcher PJ Poulin in the bottom of the 4th inning. With that homer, Soto set a new career high in home runs in a single season.

2025: Gift to Brett Baty

In 2025, after signing with the Mets, Juan Soto gifted Brett Baty a Chevrolet Tahoe, with "thanks for #22" written on the rear windshield, to retain his #22 uniform number.

2029: Potential Opt-Out Year

The contract Juan Soto signed with the New York Mets on December 11, 2024, included a club option between 2030–2039 that would increase the base salary by $4 million per year, which, if declined, would allow him to opt out after the 2029 season.

2030: Club Option Period Start

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

2034: Contract End Year

In 2034, the Nationals wanted to sign the then 23-year-old Soto through his age 35 season with a 13-year, $350 million contract extension.

2039: Club Option Period End