Have you ever wondered why Washington Nationals outfielder Juan Soto rejected a $350 million contract extension from the team?
Let’s face it, most, if not all of us, would probably take the guaranteed $350 million in almost any circumstance, right?
Well, as far as the MLB extension market concerns, Soto made the right decision.
That’s right: he is worth much more than that.
Just looking at his age (he is still somehow 23 years old), his accomplishments, and his immense talent, it’s enough to say that this kid has the potential to out-earn everyone in MLB when he signs his next contract.
Juan Soto made his @MLB debut 4 years ago today.
Since then:
2019 World Series Champion
2020 Silver Slugger
2020 Batting Title
2021 Silver Slugger
2021 MVP Finalist
2021 All-Star#NATITUDE pic.twitter.com/W0wFHkxVux— Washington Nationals (@Nationals) May 20, 2022
“Juan Soto made his @MLB debut 4 years ago today. Since then: 2019 World Series Champion; 2020 Silver Slugger; 2020 Batting Title; 2021 Silver Slugger; 2021 MVP Finalist; 2021 All-Star,” the Nationals’ official Twitter account wrote.
Soto made his debut in 2018 as a 19-year-old outfielder.
That year, he slashed .292/.406/.517 with 22 home runs and a .923 OPS.
He was 19!
Incredible Numbers
He played at an MVP level in 2019 and probably should have won the award in 2020 and 2021, so the fact he still doesn’t have an MVP is actually quite misleading.
His career line of .297/.429/.543 and his amazing totals for his age (106 home runs, 363 runs, 323 RBI) put him on a Hall of Fame projection, but let’s not get ahead of ourselves.
If the Nationals don’t want to pay him what he’s worth, somebody will upon reaching free agency.
Soto is a true difference-maker who is still dominating (.864 OPS) even when he is not playing as well as his lofty standards dictate.
He may be the best hitter in baseball if we consider his contact, power, and plate discipline.
And he is 23 years old.
He is special player.
NEXT: MLB Insider Has A Shocking Juan Soto Theory