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. A highly accomplished player, Soto is a four-time All-Star and a five-time Silver Slugger Award winner, establishing himself as one of the premier hitters in the sport.
1921: Babe Ruth's Home Run Record
In 1921, Babe Ruth had at least 6 home runs in a 4-game span; a feat that Soto would later match in 2024.
1930: Babe Ruth's Home Run Record
In 1930, Babe Ruth had at least 6 home runs in a 4-game span; a feat that Soto would later match in 2024.
1932: Lou Gehrig's Home Run Record
In 1932, Lou Gehrig was the first Yankee to hit a home run in 4 straight at-bats; a feat that Soto would later match in 2024.
1936: Tony Lazzeri's Home Run Record
In 1936, Tony Lazzeri had at least 6 home runs in a 4-game span; a feat that Soto would later match in 2024.
1948: Joe DiMaggio's Home Run Record
In 1948, Joe DiMaggio had at least 6 home runs in a 4-game span; a feat that Soto would later match in 2024.
1961: Expansion Era
In 1961 was the Expansion Era, Soto became the first Yankee in this era to hit a home run for 8 straight hits.
1961: Johnny Blanchard's Home Run Record
In 1961, Johnny Blanchard became a Yankee to hit a home run in 4 straight at-bats; a feat that Soto would later match in 2024.
1962: Mickey Mantle's Home Run Record
In 1962, Mickey Mantle became a Yankee to hit a home run in 4 straight at-bats and also had at least 6 home runs in a 4-game span; feats that Soto would later match in 2024.
1970: Bobby Murcer's Home Run Record
In 1970, Bobby Murcer became a Yankee to hit a home run in 4 straight at-bats; a feat that Soto would later match in 2024.
1977: Reggie Jackson's Home Run Record
In 1977, Reggie Jackson became a Yankee to hit a home run in 4 straight at-bats; a feat that Soto would later match in 2024.
1989: Ken Griffey Jr. Intentionally Walked
In 1989, Ken Griffey Jr. was intentionally walked, a rare occurrence for young players that Juan Soto also experienced in his early career.
1993: Juan Gonzalez won Home Run Derby
In 1993, Juan González won the Home Run Derby; Soto would become the second youngest to win the Derby behind Gonzalez.
October 25, 1998: Juan Soto Born
On October 25, 1998, Juan José Soto Pacheco was born. He is now a professional baseball outfielder.
1998: Year of Birth
Juan Soto was born in 1998, making him the youngest player in the major leagues when he debuted in 2018.
2004: Comparison to Barry Bonds
In 2020, Juan Soto's on-base percentage, slugging percentage, and on-base plus slugging were the highest since Barry Bonds in the 2004 season, highlighting his exceptional performance.
2007: Alex Rodriguez's Home Run Record
In 2007, Alex Rodriguez had at least 6 home runs in a 4-game span; a feat that Soto would later match in 2024.
2009: Yankees last World Series
The 2024 season marked the first time since 2009 that the Yankees reached the World Series.
2012: Harper Home Run
In 2012, Bryce Harper homered as a teenager, a feat Juan Soto later matched, becoming the first teenager to homer in a major-league game since Harper.
July 2015: Signed with Nationals
In July 2015, Juan Soto signed with the Washington Nationals as an international free agent, receiving a $1.5 million signing bonus.
September 2016: Promoted to Auburn Doubledays
In September 2016, after a successful stint with the Gulf Coast League Nationals, 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 Nationals' second-best prospect and the 42nd-best among all prospects in baseball.
September 2017: Hamstring Injury Shuts Down Season
In September 2017, after a rehabilitation stint with the Gulf Coast Nationals, Juan Soto injured his hamstring and was shut down for the season.
May 20, 2018: Called Up to Major Leagues
On May 20, 2018, the Washington Nationals called up Juan Soto to the major leagues for the first time to reinforce their outfield after an injury to Howie Kendrick.
June 2018: Ranked Nationals' Top Prospect
In June 2018, Baseball America listed Juan Soto as the Nationals' top prospect, overtaking Victor Robles, and the fourth-best overall prospect in baseball.
June 18, 2018: Home Run in Suspended Game
On June 18, 2018, Juan Soto hit a home run in a game against the New York Yankees that had been suspended from May 15, adding to his home run total.
June 29, 2018: First Multi-Home Run Game
On June 29, 2018, Juan Soto had his first multi-home run game, tallying two home runs, four hits, and five RBIs against the Philadelphia Phillies.
September 11, 2018: Another Multi-Home Run Game
On September 11, 2018, Juan Soto had another multi-home run game against the Philadelphia Phillies, going 3-for-4 with four RBIs.
2018: The "Soto Shuffle" Emerges
During his 2018 rookie season, Soto became known for his movements in the batter's box, dubbed the "Soto Shuffle."
2018: Record-Breaking Rookie Season
In 2018, Juan Soto had a record-breaking rookie season, slashing .292/.406/.517 with 22 home runs and 70 RBIs, winning NL Rookie of the Month multiple times and setting numerous MLB teenage records.
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 World Series and Babe Ruth Award
In 2019, Juan Soto played a key part in the Nationals' first World Series championship, batting .333/.438/.741 with 3 home runs and 7 RBIs in the World Series. He was named co-winner of the 2019 Babe Ruth Award with Stephen Strasburg.
2019: Response to the "Soto Shuffle"
In Game 1 of the 2019 National League Championship Series, St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Miles Mikolas responded to Soto's antics by grabbing his own crotch after retiring Soto.
2019: Gold Glove Finalist
Soto was a finalist for a Gold Glove Award as a left fielder after the 2019 season.
July 23, 2020: Tested 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: Hitting Stats
At the conclusion of his 2020 season, Soto had hit 69 career home runs in MLB and divided them evenly by direction: 23 to left field, 23 to center field, and 23 to right field.
2020: Transition to Right Field
The Nationals began deploying Soto as their starting right fielder late in the 2020 season.
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 in the Nationals' first game of the season.
July 2021: Joey Votto's Home Run Record
Joey Votto had a home run for 8 straight hits; a feat that Soto would later match in 2024.
2021: Dominant Season
In 2021, Juan Soto batted .313/.465/.534, leading the league in on-base percentage and walks, and demonstrating exceptional plate discipline. 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, Soto became the Nationals' everyday right fielder.
2021: Contract Extension Declined
Prior to the 2021-22 MLB lockout, the Nationals offered Juan Soto a 13-year, $350 million contract extension, which he declined, 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: Trade to San Diego Padres
On August 2, 2022, Juan Soto and Josh Bell were traded by the Nationals to the San Diego Padres for CJ Abrams, MacKenzie Gore, Robert Hassell, James Wood, Jarlín Susana, and Luke Voit.
August 12, 2022: First Game Against Nationals After Trade
On August 12, 2022, Soto played his first game against the Nationals in Washington after being traded to the Padres, receiving a standing ovation.
2022: 2022 Season Performance
In 2022, Soto played a total of 152 games with a .242 batting average, 27 home runs, and an MLB-leading 135 walks.
2022: All-Star Game and Home Run Derby
In 2022, Soto was named to the Major League Baseball All-Star Game and won the 2022 Home Run Derby, becoming the second youngest winner of the event.
January 13, 2023: Signed Contract with Padres
On January 13, 2023, Soto signed a one-year, $23 million contract with the Padres, avoiding salary arbitration.
January 2023: Brother Signed with Nationals
In January 2023, Juan Soto's younger brother, Elian, who plays third base and outfield, signed with the Nationals organization as an international free agent after becoming eligible.
December 6, 2023: Trade to New York Yankees
On December 6, 2023, Soto and Trent Grisham were traded by the Padres to the New York Yankees for Michael King, Drew Thorpe, Jhony Brito, Randy Vásquez, and Kyle Higashioka.
December 11, 2024: Signed with New York Mets
On December 11, 2024, Soto signed a 15-year, $765 million contract with the New York Mets, the largest contract in professional sports history.
2024: Plate Discipline Ranking
At the conclusion of the 2024 season, Soto ranked 5th all-time in walk rate and 17th all-time in career on-base percentage.
2024: Planned Free Agency
In 2021, Juan Soto declined a contract extension with the Nationals, planning to become a free agent after the 2024 season.
2024: AL Championship Series and World Series Appearance
In 2024, Soto hit a crucial home run in the AL Championship Series, leading the Yankees to the World Series where they eventually lost to the Dodgers.
2024: All-Star Game Selection
In 2024, Soto was named as a starting outfielder for the American League in the MLB All-Star Game, marking his fourth time being named to an All-Star Game and his first appearance for the American League.
2024: Avoided Arbitration with Yankees
Prior to the start of the 2024 season, Soto and the Yankees avoided salary arbitration, agreeing to a one-year contract worth $31 million.
2024: 2024 Season Performance
Soto finished the 2024 season with a .288 batting average, 41 home runs, 109 RBIs, and was second in MLB in walks with 129.
2029: Opt-Out Clause
Soto's contract with the Mets includes a clause that would allow him to opt out after the 2029 season if the club declines to increase the base salary.
2030: Potential Contract Adjustment
Between 2030 and 2039, Soto's contract with the Mets contains a club option that could increase his base salary.
2034: Potential Contract Through 2034
In 2021, the Nationals offered Juan Soto a contract extension that would have signed him through the 2034 season, but he declined.
2039: Potential Contract Adjustment
Between 2030 and 2039, Soto's contract with the Mets contains a club option that could increase his base salary.
