After a poor start to the 2023 season, San Diego Padres slugger Juan Soto appears to have found his groove again.
The 24-year-old has improved his average to .246 on the year and has bumped his OPS up to .860.
During this recent surge, Soto has a slash line of .387/.513/.677.
This is a hot start to the month of May and a big improvement over what he did in the month of April.
On MLB Network, former MLB star Mark DeRosa discussed Soto’s recent surge and what has changed for him since the beginning of May, stating that a more aggressive Soto is a more productive version of the slugger.
"A more aggressive Juan Soto, in my opinion, is a better Juan Soto."@markdero7 breaks down the Padres star and his recent surge, slashing .387/.513/.677 to start the month! ♨️#MLBCentral | #BringTheGold pic.twitter.com/irKXoOddIj
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) May 11, 2023
In eight out of the first 10 plate appearances Soto had in the current series with the Minnesota Twins, the slugger got on base.
He also was 5-for-7 with two doubles.
DeRosa discussed how Soto was not swinging at pitches until he had at least a strike and that often times hitters are instructed to take a pitch until they actually have a strike.
The former MLB star cited a lack of aggression as a reason why Soto had been off to such a poor start.
However, in the current series against the Twins, Soto has been swinging at the first pitch more often, and DeRosa stated that by being more aggressive, Soto has found his groove again.
DeRosa also noted that Soto seems more confident at the plate and has been able to show pitchers that he isn’t afraid to barrel a ball.
Soto has been swinging a hot bat this week and appears to be back on track.
NEXT: Padres Pitcher Comments On Fernando Tatis Jr.'s Return
