The Juan Soto era with the Washington Nationals is over. The 23-year old phenom is now a member of the San Diego Padres. Soto was traded along with Josh Bell from Washington to San Diego for veteran Luke Voit and an impressive haul of young top prospects.
The emotions of Soto leaving were high with the Nationals and their fans on Tuesday. While emotions have settle some, Soto said goodbye to the Nationals organization and its fans Wednesday while sharing a video full of his biggest moments with the “Curly W.”
“Thank you to the Nationals organization for the opportunity to realize a childhood dream,” Soto tweeted.
Among the highlights, his MLB home run, home run in Game 1 of the 2019 World Series, the Nationals celebrating their World Series championship, his 100th career home run hit this season, and the moment he clinched the 2022 Home Run Derby last month.
“I will always feel honored to have been a National,” Soto added. “The accomplishment of winning the franchise’s first World Series title in 2019, and to play for such supportive fans during the last five years will never be forgotten.”
Soto made his MLB debut at the age of 19 years old. At the age of 20, he emerged as the Nationals primary cleanup hitter, as the club claimed its first World Series championship. He became the youngest NL batting champion at 21. Last season at the age of 22, he led MLB with 145 walks while still hitting .313 with a .999 OPS.
Soto seemed destined to be the franchise’s first homegrown Hall of Famer. The Nationals embarked on a rebuild centered around Soto. However, the young star turned down at least three offers from the Nationals for a contract extension. The latest known offer occurred in July and consisted of a historic 15-year deal worth $440 million.
Washington ultimately decided to trade Soto despite having 2.5 years of team control remaining. The Padres ponied up a package the Nats couldn’t refuse ahead of Tuesday’s trade deadline. Now, once tabbed as the present and future face of the Nationals, Juan Soto is a San Diego Padre.
“To my Nats Fans: since day one I’ve always had the feeling you would have a special space in my heart but the appreciation that I have for you went over my expectations,” Soto tweeted. “Thank you for being such a great family to me. With Love & Gratitude… Forever Yours, Juan Soto.”
