San Diego Padres' Slugger Stands Alongside Mike Trout in Baseball History
By winning another Silver Slugger award on Thursday night, San Diego Padres' superstar Juan Soto has joined Los Angeles Angels star Mike Trout in baseball history.
Per Sarah Langs of MLB.com:
most Silver Slugger awards before turning 25, age as of end of regular season:
Juan Soto: 4
Mike Trout: 4
Soto just turned 25 a few weeks ago but was 24 at the conclusion of the regular season. After a disappointing first half a year in San Diego, Soto rebounded in a huge way this year.
The lefty hit .275 with a robust .410 on-base percentage. He led the majors in walks with 132 and played in all 162 games. He hit 35 homers and drove in 109. While the Padres disappointed and failed to make the playoffs, Soto certainly did his part.
Because Soto has been around for six years already, it's hard to realize how young he is. One of the most accomplished young players in baseball history, he's already a three-time All-Star, a home run derby champion, a multi-time Silver Slugger winner, a batting champion and a World Series champion (2019).
Lifetime, he's a .284 hitter with 160 home runs. Soto is headed into the final year of his rookie contract and could end up being traded this offseason.
The Padres have said they want to reduce payroll and if they do move Soto, the New York Yankees figure to be at the top of the list to acquire him. They desperately need a left-handed bat to pair with Aaron Judge.
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