Juan Soto

Who Is Juan José Soto Pacheco?

Juan José Soto Pacheco, born on October 25, 1998, in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, is a professional baseball outfielder who has made waves in the Major League Baseball (MLB) with his exceptional skills and record-breaking contract. His journey from signing as an international free agent to becoming one of the most sought-after players in MLB is nothing short of remarkable.

Early Life: A Family Legacy

Little Juan José was born into a family that already had a taste for baseball. His father, Juan Soto, Sr., and mother, Belkis Pacheco, instilled in him the passion for the game from an early age. He has two siblings: an older sister and a younger brother named Elian, who also followed his footsteps into professional baseball.

Professional Career

Minor Leagues:

Soto’s journey began in 2015 when he signed with the Washington Nationals as an international free agent for a $1.5 million signing bonus. His first taste of professional baseball came in 2016, where he played for the Gulf Coast League Nationals. Over the next few years, Soto was promoted to Auburn Doubledays and Hagerstown Suns, quickly rising through the ranks.

By 2018, Soto had become one of the top prospects in the minor leagues. He made his MLB debut on May 20, becoming the youngest player at 19 years and 207 days old to hit a home run. His rookie season was nothing short of spectacular, with multiple home runs and a .292/.406/.517 slash line.

Minor League Achievements

In the 2019 season, Soto became only the fourth player in MLB history to record 100 extra-base hits before his 21st birthday. His performance was so impressive that he hit a bases-clearing single in the NL Wild Card Game and even hit a game-tying home run against the Dodgers during the World Series.

His 2020 season saw him setting new personal bests with home runs of 463 and 466 feet. He was named National League Player of the Week, won his first career Silver Slugger Award, and led the league in on-base percentage, slugging percentage, and on-base plus slugging.

Major League Career

With the Nationals:

Soto’s time with the Nationals was marked by numerous accolades. He received his first All-Star selection and participated in the Home Run Derby, winning it. His 2021 season saw him hitting a walk-off single for his first career walk-off hit and leading MLB in on-base percentage multiple times.

Despite the Nationals offering him a lucrative contract extension, Soto declined it, setting the stage for his next move.

Trades and New Beginnings

In 2022, Soto was traded to the San Diego Padres, where he played for 51 games. He then signed with the Yankees in December 2023, playing a full season before signing a record-breaking $765 million contract with the New York Mets on December 11, 2024.

His performance in the 2024 season was nothing short of phenomenal. He hit 9-for-17 with a home run and 4 RBI in three games from March 28 to April 1, earning him American League Player of the Week for the first two weeks of the season.

Defensive Versatility

Soto’s defensive skills are equally impressive. He is statistically better as a right fielder than left, with -3.8 UZR in left and +1.5 UZR in right. His ‘Soto Shuffle’ routine in the batter’s box has become a trademark of his game.

Conclusion

Juan José Soto Pacheco’s journey from Santo Domingo to becoming one of the most sought-after players in MLB is nothing short of inspiring. His exceptional skills, record-breaking contract, and unwavering dedication make him a true star in the world of baseball. As he continues his career with the New York Mets, fans can only wonder what more this talented outfielder will achieve.