History of Juan Soto in Timeline

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.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1932: Lou Gehrig hits a home run in 4 straight at-bats

In 1932, Lou Gehrig was the first Yankee to hit a home run in 4 straight at-bats.

1961: Johnny Blanchard hits a home run in 4 straight at-bats

In 1961, Johnny Blanchard joined the list of Yankees to hit a home run in 4 straight at-bats.

1961: Yankees expansion era

The expansion era for the Yankees began in 1961.

1962: Mickey Mantle hits a home run in 4 straight at-bats

In 1962, Mickey Mantle joined the list of Yankees to hit a home run in 4 straight at-bats.

1970: Bobby Murcer hits a home run in 4 straight at-bats

In 1970, Bobby Murcer joined the list of Yankees to hit a home run in 4 straight at-bats.

1977: Reggie Jackson hits a home run in 4 straight at-bats

In 1977, Reggie Jackson joined the list of Yankees to hit a home run in 4 straight at-bats.

1989: Ken Griffey Jr. Intentionally Walked

Juan Soto became the youngest major league player since Ken Griffey Jr. in 1989 to be intentionally walked in a game.

1993: Juan González's Home Run Derby Win

Juan González won the Home Run Derby in 1993, and in 2022 Juan Soto became the second-youngest player to win the Home Run Derby behind González.

October 25, 1998: Juan Soto's Birth

On October 25, 1998, Juan José Soto Pacheco was born. He is a Dominican professional baseball outfielder.

1998: First Player Born in 1998 to Appear in MLB

On May 20, 2018, Soto became the first player born in 1998 to appear in a major-league game.

2004: Comparison to Barry Bonds' Season

In 2020, Soto posted the highest marks in on-base percentage, slugging percentage, and on-base plus slugging for any major league hitter since Barry Bonds in the 2004 season.

2012: Bryce Harper's Teenage Home Run

In 2012, Bryce Harper hit a home run as a teenager, a feat later matched by Juan Soto.

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.

September 2017: Rehabilitation Stint and Hamstring Injury

In September 2017, 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, Soto made his major-league debut, becoming the youngest player in the major leagues at 19 years, 207 days.

2018: MLB All-Star Team Selection

After the 2018 season, Soto was selected to the MLB All-Star Team for the 2018 MLB Japan All-Star Series.

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.

August 19, 2019: 100 Extra-Base Hits Before 21st Birthday

On August 19, 2019, Soto became only the fourth player in MLB history to record 100 extra-base hits before his 21st birthday.

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.

July 23, 2020: Positive COVID-19 Test

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

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.

July 2021: Joey Votto home run streak

In July 2021, Joey Votto was the last baseball player to hit a home run for 8 straight hits.

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.

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.

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.