The San Diego Padres welcomed star outfielder Juan Soto to the organization on Wednesday, after trading for him on Tuesday.
However, he didn’t come alone: slugging first baseman Josh Bell, who has hit 14 home runs and owns a .301/.384/.493 line, came with him to put an end to the Eric Hosmer era.
The Padres also have Manny Machado, one of the National League’s MVP candidates so far with his .288/.364/.501 line and 18 home runs.
The most important development, however, would be the return of star shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr., a player capable of playing on a 40-40 pace as long as he is healthy.
In other words, the friars are putting together one of the most impressive lineups in baseball.
The unit is so good that the confident Soto is already wishing good luck to opposing pitchers.
"I wish good luck to the other pitchers"
-Juan Soto, San Diego Padre pic.twitter.com/nvhyWcJQab
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) August 3, 2022
Other solid players such as Jake Cronenworth and Jurickson Profar remain a part of the lineup.
The Soto-Tatis-Machado Trio Looks Incredible
All things considered, the Padres are putting together a top-notch lineup with Soto and Tatis, when he is deemed ready to make his return from his wrist injury.
Soto currently owns a .246/.408/.485 line with 21 home runs and 2.6 Wins Above Replacement (WAR).
That’s what a “down” season for him looks like: better than the vast majority of the league.
We have seen his best version: it’s MVP-worthy.
Soto has hit 119 home runs and is not even 24.
He is the modern day Ted Williams, and we come short of throwing the Barry Bonds comparison because of the power.
Soto is a special talent, and will likely lead the Padres to the playoffs.
Can he lead them to a World Series title?
NEXT: Padres Show Off The Brand New Juan Soto Jersey