History of Juan Soto in Timeline
Juan Soto is a Dominican professional baseball outfielder currently playing for the New York Mets in MLB. He previously played for the Washington Nationals, San Diego Padres, and New York Yankees. Known for his exceptional hitting ability and plate discipline, Soto has garnered numerous accolades, including being a five-time Silver Slugger Award winner and a four-time All-Star. He is considered one of the premier offensive players in baseball.
1932: Lou Gehrig Hits Home Runs in Consecutive At-Bats
In 1932, Lou Gehrig hit home runs in 4 straight at-bats.
1961: Johnny Blanchard Hits Home Runs in Consecutive At-Bats
In 1961, Johnny Blanchard hit home runs in 4 straight at-bats.
1962: Mickey Mantle Hits Home Runs in Consecutive At-Bats
In 1962, Mickey Mantle hit home runs in 4 straight at-bats.
1970: Bobby Murcer Hits Home Runs in Consecutive At-Bats
In 1970, Bobby Murcer hit home runs in 4 straight at-bats.
1977: Reggie Jackson Hits Home Runs in Consecutive At-Bats
In 1977, Reggie Jackson hit home runs in 4 straight at-bats.
May 1987: Darryl Strawberry's Performance
In May 1987, Darryl Strawberry produced a calendar month with at least 10 home runs and 20 walks, a feat later matched by Juan Soto.
1987: First teammates in MLB history
In 1987, Howard Johnson and Darryl Strawberry became the first set of teammates in MLB history to ever go 30–30 in the same season.
1989: Youngest Intentionally Walked Since Ken Griffey Jr.
In 1989, Ken Griffey Jr. was intentionally walked as a young player, an event that Juan Soto later mirrored in his career.
1993: Reference to Juan González's Home Run Derby Win
In 1993, Juan González won the Home Run Derby, becoming the youngest winner at the time. Juan Soto was slightly older when he won in 2022.
1996: Teammates achievement
In 1996, Dante Bichette and Ellis Burks went 30–30 in the same season.
October 25, 1998: Juan Soto Born
On October 25, 1998, Juan José Soto Pacheco was born in the Dominican Republic. He is now known as 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, marking a significant milestone in his early career.
2000: Yankees vs. Mets World Series
In 2000, there was a World Series between the Yankees and Mets.
2004: Comparison to Barry Bonds
In 2004, Barry Bonds had exceptional on-base and slugging percentages, a benchmark that Juan Soto later approached in his career.
2004: Comparison to Barry Bonds' Walk Record
In 2004, Barry Bonds set a major league record with 232 walks in a single season, a benchmark that Juan Soto later approached in his career.
2009: Yankees last World Series
In 2009, the New York Yankees won the World Series.
2012: Comparison to Bryce Harper
In 2012, Bryce Harper homered as a teenager, drawing a parallel to Juan Soto's later achievement.
July 2015: Signed with Washington Nationals
In July 2015, Juan Soto signed with the Washington Nationals as an international free agent, receiving 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, marking the beginning of 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, near the end of the 2016 season.
July 2017: Ranked as 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 in baseball.
September 2017: Hamstring injury ends season
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: MLB Debut
On May 20, 2018, Juan Soto made his major-league debut for the Washington Nationals against the Los Angeles Dodgers, 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. He struck out swinging in his first at-bat.
2018: The "Soto Shuffle" Emerges
During his 2018 rookie season, Juan Soto became known for his movements in the batter's box after taking a pitch for a ball, dubbed the "Soto Shuffle."
2018: Statistical Achievements and Awards
In 2018, Juan Soto achieved significant statistical milestones, including a .292/.406/.517 slash line, 79 walks, 22 home runs, and 70 RBIs. He was named NL Rookie of the Month in June, July, and September. He also set multiple MLB teenage records.
2018: MLB Debut
In 2018, Juan Soto made his Major League Baseball debut. He was also the runner-up for the NL Rookie of the Year Award.
2018: Started the season with Hagerstown
In 2018, Juan Soto started the season with Hagerstown, then was promoted in late April to the Potomac Nationals in the Class A-Advanced Carolina League, and then in mid-May to the Harrisburg Senators in the Double-A Eastern League. On May 20, he was called up to the major leagues for the first time.
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, a notable achievement at a young age.
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, Juan Soto played a crucial role in the Washington 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 Juan Soto playing a key role. He batted .333/.438/.741 with 3 home runs and 7 RBIs in the World Series. He was also named co-winner of the 2019 Babe Ruth Award and to the All-MLB Second Team.
2019: Mikolas' Reaction to the "Soto Shuffle"
In Game 1 of the 2019 National League Championship Series, St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Miles Mikolas responded to Soto's "Soto Shuffle" by grabbing his own crotch after retiring Soto. Soto eliminated crotch-grabbing from his routine in subsequent seasons.
July 23, 2020: Tested Positive for COVID-19
On July 23, 2020, just before the opening game of the shortened 2020 season, it was announced that Juan Soto had tested positive for COVID-19, causing him to miss the first week of play.
2020: Hitting Distribution
At the conclusion of the 2020 season, Juan Soto had hit 69 career home runs in MLB, evenly divided by direction: 23 to left field, 23 to center field, and 23 to right field.
2020: National League Batting Title
In 2020, Juan Soto won the National League batting title with a .351 batting average, marking a significant achievement in his career.
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 his first career walk-off single off Will Smith of the Atlanta Braves, securing a victory for the Nationals.
July 2021: Joey Votto's Home Run Streak
In July 2021, Joey Votto last hit a home run for 8 straight hits prior to Juan Soto.
2021: Statistical Achievements and MLB-Low Swing Rate
In 2021, Juan Soto batted .313/.465/.534 with 29 home runs and 95 RBIs. He swung at an MLB-low 15.1% of pitches outside the strike zone, reinforcing his reputation as a disciplined hitter. He also led the major leagues in walk percentage (22.2%) and intentional walks (23).
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: Nationals Offered Contract Extension
Prior to the 2021-22 MLB lockout, the Nationals offered Juan Soto a 13-year, $350 million contract extension, but Soto declined the offer, 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, the Washington Nationals traded Juan Soto and Josh Bell to the San Diego Padres in exchange for CJ Abrams, MacKenzie Gore, Robert Hassell, James Wood, Jarlín Susana, and Luke Voit.
2022: Traded to the Padres
At the 2022 trade deadline, Juan Soto was traded to the San Diego Padres, marking a change in teams during his MLB career.
2022: Rejected Contract Extension Offer
During the 2022 season, Juan Soto reportedly rejected a 15-year, $440 million contract extension offer by the Nationals, indicating his intent to explore free agency.
2022: Played with the Padres and Reached NLCS
In 2022, Juan Soto played 51 games for the San Diego Padres after being traded to the team. He reached the NLCS, where the Padres lost to the Philadelphia Phillies in five games.
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, marking a significant achievement in his career.
2022: 2022 Season Performance
In 2022, Juan Soto's performance across both teams included playing 152 games with a .242 batting average, 27 home runs, 62 RBIs, and leading MLB with 135 walks. He also topped the major leagues with a 20.3% walk rate and a 1.41 walk/strikeout rate, while swinging at the lowest percentage of pitches outside the strike zone at 19.9%.
2022: Gift to Nick Martinez
In 2022, after Juan Soto was traded to the Padres, he gave Nick Martinez a "really nice watch" to retain his #22 uniform number.
January 13, 2023: Soto Signs with Padres
On January 13, 2023, Juan Soto signed a one-year, $23 million contract with the Padres, thereby avoiding salary arbitration. Soto went on to play all 162 games in the 2023 season, achieving a .275 batting average, 35 home runs, 109 RBIs, and leading MLB with 132 walks.
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, following in his brother's footsteps.
December 6, 2023: Soto Traded to Yankees
On December 6, 2023, the Padres traded Juan Soto and Trent Grisham 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, continuing his MLB career with another team.
2023: 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: Soto Signs Record Contract with Mets
On December 11, 2024, Juan Soto signed a 15-year, $765 million contract with the New York Mets, setting a record for 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: Soto's Plate Discipline Ranking
At 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.
2024: AL Player of the Week and All-Star Selection
Following a week of exceptional performance, including a .435/.500/1.000 slash line and 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, he was chosen as a starting outfielder for the American League in the 2024 MLB All-Star Game.
2024: Planned Free Agency in 2024
In 2021, Juan Soto and his agent decided to wait until he became a free agent after the 2024 season to sign a contract, leading to his eventual departure from the Nationals.
2024: Signed with the Mets
In 2024, after becoming a free agent, 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 concluded the 2024 season with a .288/.419/.569 batting line, hitting 41 home runs, driving in 109 RBIs, and ranking second in MLB with 129 walks.
2024: 2024 Postseason and Free Agency
On October 19, 2024, Juan Soto hit a three-run homer in the top of the 10th inning of Game 5 of the 2024 American League Championship Series, helping the Yankees take a 5–2 lead over the Cleveland Guardians and advance to the World Series for the first time since 2009. The Yankees lost to the Los Angeles Dodgers in five games. Soto finished the 2024 postseason with a .327/.469/1.102 batting line, including 4 homers and 9 RBIs in 14 games. Following the World Series, Soto became a free agent.
2024: Agreement with Yankees
Prior to the start of the 2024 season, Soto and the Yankees agreed to a one-year contract worth $31 million, successfully 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 Met, a solo shot against Houston Astros pitcher Hunter Brown, securing a 3–1 victory and the team's first win of the season.
2025: Joins 30-30 Club and Sets Career High
In 2025, Juan Soto joined the 30-30 club after stealing his 30th base of the season, becoming 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 19 against the Washington Nationals, 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 gave Brett Baty a Chevrolet Tahoe that had "thanks for #22" written on the rear windshield to retain his #22 uniform number.
2025: 2025 Season Stats
Juan Soto finished the 2025 season with a .263/.396/.525 batting line, a career-high 43 home runs, and 105 RBIs. He led the National League in OBP and stolen bases, with a career-high 38, and also led the league with 127 walks.
2029: Opt-Out Clause
After the 2029 season, Juan Soto has the option to opt out of his contract with the Mets if the club declines the option.
2030: Contract Club Option Start
In 2030, Juan Soto's contract with the Mets has a club option that would increase the base salary by $4 million per year.
2034: Contract Extension Through 2034 (Rejected)
The 13-year, $350 million contract extension offered by the Nationals in 2021 would have signed Juan Soto through his age 35 season in 2034, but he declined the offer.
2039: Contract Club Option End
In 2039, the last year of the club option in Juan Soto's contract with the Mets.
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