In many ways, San Diego Padres star Juan Soto is a lot like MLB legend Barry Bonds.
No, we are not saying their place in history is comparable because it would be unfair to Soto, who is just 24 years old.
However, they are both lefty-hitting outfielders with power and an incredible eye at the plate.
Of course, Bonds’ power was considerably more impactful and evident than Soto’s, who is still yet to surpass 34 home runs in a season.
Both men share something that the rest of the league just lacks: a game-changing eye at the plate.
Soto doesn’t strike out often and ran a 20.3 percent walk rate in 2022, by far the best mark in the league.
He was miles better than the second-ranked hitters, Aaron Judge and Max Muncy.
In fact, the difference between Soto and them was historically relevant.
“The difference between Soto’s 20.3% walk rate and Judge/Muncy at 15.9% is the largest between qualified Nos. 1 & 2 in walk rate in a season since 2004, when Barry Bonds led at 37.6% and Todd Helton was 2nd at 18.6%,” MLB stats expert Sarah Langs tweeted.
this list isn't all qualifiers, but the top 3 players all are
the difference between Soto's 20.3% walk rate and Judge/Muncy at 15.9% is the largest between qualified Nos. 1 & 2 in walk rate in a season since 2004, when Barry Bonds led at 37.6% and Todd Helton was 2nd at 18.6% https://t.co/cIoyAFAt6q
— Sarah Langs (@SlangsOnSports) February 9, 2023
Despite career-low outputs in batting average (.242) and slugging percentage (.452), Soto still managed to hit 27 home runs and finish with a 145 wRC+ in a “down” season.
If you want to see what a premium season from him would look like, check his 2019 or his 2021 numbers.
He is a special hitter, and MLB pitchers sure treat him like one.
He does an impeccable job at laying off bad pitches and taking advantage of hittable strikes, better than anyone else in MLB.
He will try to lead the Padres to their first World Series win in franchise history.
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