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Washington Nationals have a Juan Soto problem

By David Hill |
May 29, 2021; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Nationals left fielder Juan Soto (22) looks at a piece of paper on the field against the Milwaukee Brewers during the first inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-USA TODAY Sports
May 29, 2021; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Nationals left fielder Juan Soto (22) looks at a piece of paper on the field against the Milwaukee Brewers during the first inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-USA TODAY Sports

The Washington Nationals were expected to make another push for the National League East title this season. Instead, they find themselves in the divisional basement, with the Mets pulling away. Their offense has been non-existent throughout most of the season, outscoring only the Pirates and the Mets, although the Mets have only played 45 games this year.

It does not help matters that the Nationals’ lineup, as a whole, has been underwhelming. Washington has had to rely upon Trae Turner and Juan Soto to deliver, something that both have typically been able to do. However, that has not been the case of late for Soto.

Washington Nationals need Juan Soto to break out of slump

Soto was 0-6 during the Nationals’ doubleheader on Saturday, striking out twice while grounding into a double play. This leaves him with three hits in his last 20 at bats, none of which have gone for extra bases. Although he has drawn three walks, he has also struck out five times while driving in just one run.

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Even with that slump, Soto has still put together a solid year. His .273/.390/.394 batting line is still respectable, but also shows some of those concerns. Soto has just four homers and four doubles on the year, with the power that he had displayed during his first three seasons just not there. He is still drawing walks at a great rate, but appears to have become too passive at the plate.

The Nationals need this to change. They need the Soto that they had seen over the past three seasons, especially if they are going to get back into the race for the NL East. If he is more aggressive, hammering mistakes earlier in the count and looking for pitches to drive, that could help jumpstart their stagnant offense.

Soto certainly is not the only member of the lineup that is struggling. Josh Bell had been considered a significant upgrade at first base, but he has not performed to expectations. The lineup as a whole has not been able to drive in runs despite ranking fourth in the NL with a .322 on base percentage. These woes go beyond just one player. But Soto’s struggles are occurring when the Nationals can afford them the least.

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Juan Soto has been in a slump lately. The Washington Nationals need him to break out of this rough patch as soon as possible.

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