It’s been just 10 days since Juan Soto was traded from the Washington Nationals to the San Diego Padres. But, the 23-year old superstar was back in D.C. making his first trip back to Nationals Park with his new team for a weekend series.
Soto spoke to the media prior to Friday’s series opener, reflecting on his time with the club he spent his first 4.5 seasons with. Among the topics he discussed, he opened up about his emotions the day he learned he was being traded.
“It was a lot of emotions,” Soto said, per NBC Sports 4. “I said before, I cried the whole morning. It was pretty tough to go through it. But at the end of the day, I really understand that is bsiness and you got to do the best for yourself. [The Nationals] just did the best for them and I’m happy with them whatever, no hard feelings or anything like that.”
The Nationals considered trading Soto after he rejected a third contract offer. The latest came in July and was reportedly for a historic $440 million over 15 years. Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo said he felt Soto and his agent Scott Boras wanted to hit free agency. So, Washington opted trading the generational talent along with Josh Bell for a massive haul of top prospects along with veteran major leaguer Luke Voit.
His days in Washington are behind him. In five short seasons, he won a World Series at the age of 20. He added a batting title at age 21. Then led MLB with 145 walks at age 22. This year he claimed the Home Run Derby title.
“Everybody knows my favorite memory,” Soto said, per Chase Hughes of NBC Sports Washington.
Now, Soto moves on with the Padres, slotted alongside Bell, Manny Machado and Brandon Drury. He is under team control through the 2024 season.
Entering Friday’s game, Soto is hitting .357/.471/.607 with two doubles, a triple and home run. San Diego added three solid bats at the trade deadline with Soto, Bell and Drury. The Padres will need all the offense they can get.
San Diego is in a heated battle for a wild card spot for the playoffs. Currently, they’re just one game ahead of the Milwaukee Brewers for the third and final National League wild card berth.
