Who is Juan Soto? All about the MLB superstar slugger who was acquired by Yankees in blockbuster trade

The New York Yankees have acquired All-Star right fielder Juan Soto and two-time Gold Glove winner Trent Grisham from the San Diego Padres in exchange for pitchers Michael King, Drew Thorpe, Randy Vasquez, Jhony Brito and catcher Kyle Higashioka. After 10 teams expressed interest and three reached the final bidding, the Yankees clinched the deal. It was a steep price, but New York decided to pay it as they want to win their first World Series championship since 2009. Talking to the USA Today, Yankees GM Brian Cashman said, "I mean, he’s a transformational bat. He’s one of the best hitters in the game. He’s an impact (player), period."

"Future Hall of Famer"

During the press conference held on Wednesday, Padres GM A.J. Preller called Soto a future Hall of Famer several times. He also said that when they acquired Soto from the Washington Nationals in August 2022, the Padres believed he would lead them to the promised land in three playoff races. Soto helped them beat the Los Angeles Dodgers in a 2022 National League Division Series. The Padres lost 82-80 last season and didn't reach the postseason.

Soto hits 35 homers

Soto hit .275 with 35 homers, 109 RBI, a league-leading 132 walks and posted a .930 OPS in 2023. The three-time All-Star has a .946 OPS lifetime, the third-highest among active players with at least 3,000 plate appearances behind Mike Trout and Judge.

Soto hits 5 homers at Yankees Stadium

Juan Soto has played in seven games at Yankee Stadium, but has a 1.219 OPS, hitting .261 with four homers and nine RBI in 23 at-bats, including a .393 on-base percentage and .826 slugging percentage.

Soto’s defense erodes in outfield

However, Soto’s defense has eroded in the outfield, and he is a below-average baserunner. But it is his offensive prowess that had the Yankees clamoring for him. He will earn a projected $33 million salary, could be a one-year rental and a free agent at the end of the season.

Earlier, Juan Soto rejected a 15-year, $440 million contract two years ago from the Nationals before being traded to the Padres. He will be looking for a contract over $500 million, perhaps in the same neighborhood as Shohei Ohtani.

FAQs:

How has Juan Soto performed in 2023?
Juan Soto hit .275 with 35 homers, 109 RBI, a league-leading 132 walks and posted a .930 OPS in 2023. The three-time All-Star has a .946 OPS lifetime, the third-highest among active players with at least 3,000 plate appearances behind Mike Trout and Judge.

What was the deal between the New York Yankees and the Padres?
The New York Yankees have acquired All-Star right fielder Juan Soto and two-time Gold Glove winner Trent Grisham from the San Diego Padres for pitchers Michael King, Drew Thorpe, Randy Vasquez, Jhony Brito and catcher Kyle Higashioka.