Washington Nationals: Scouting report on OF Juan Soto
MLB Player Comp
Many have mentioned Manny Ramirez as a comp for Juan Soto, and certainly the Washington Nationals would be overjoyed with that type of player. However, in his swing and set up at the plate, Soto has always reminded me much more of Garret Anderson, the former outfielder who spent much of his career with the Angels.
Many forget just how excellent Anderson was during his time with the Angels. He was never really in consideration for MVP awards, but he was consistently an impressive player, whose career numbers jump out due to how excellent they were. He hit .293/.324/.461 over his career, but his career averages per 162 games were 38 doubles and 21 home runs, with two seasons leading the major leagues in doubles and on 30-home run season mixed into four 25+ home run seasons.
The best outcome version for Soto’s swing, though not really a comparable player in defensive position, would be Todd Helton, who had a similar approach and swing to what Soto is utilizing in 2018 throughout his career. Many will argue that his numbers are Coors Field-aided, but he still finished with a .316/.414/.539 career slash line and averaged 43 doubles and 27 home runs per 162 games in his career with two 40+ home run seasons and six 30+ home run seasons.
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Future for Juan Soto with the Washington Nationals
Juan Soto is not in the lineup on Sunday due to facing Alex Wood of the Dodgers, a tough lefty on fellow lefty hitters, but he will most likely make his first start against a left-handed starter as the first two scheduled starters for the San Diego Padres against the Washington Nationals this week are both lefties.
Soto has not shown a split issue based on pitcher handedness in his minor league career, with a better OPS in 49 PA against lefties this season in the minors (1.308) than in 133 PA against righties (1.183), so he should not be a guy that needs to be platooned.
His high propensity for contact and impact ability on the ball in his swing should allow Soto to rebound quick to any slumps he should experience in his first major league time. Where he goes from there will determine his path as either an elite superstar or “just” a 3-4 bWAR player year-in, year-out (which would still be an incredible player for a farm system to produce).
The Washington Nationals needed to bring up Juan Soto due to the injuries they have at the major league level, but he should have a long career for the Nationals, and his time this year could prepare for him to take over a corner spot for Bryce Harper next season.