No reason to pitch to Washington Nationals star Juan Soto

The Washington Nationals attempted to add some protection for Juan Soto in their lineup. Between Josh Bell and Nelson Cruz, they appeared to have enough to allow Soto to do as much damage as possible. It may not have been the lineup from their World Series winning team, but it was better than they had.

While Bell is doing his part, the rest of the Nationals lineup has not. Their lack of success has been notable with pitchers refusing to throw Soto strikes as he is once again leading the majors in walks.

Washington Nationals outfielder Juan Soto has been a walk machine

And it is not even close. Soto has walked 68 times entering Tuesday’s slate of action. His total far surpasses that of Kyle Schwarber and Jesse Winker who are tied for second, both of whom have drawn 49 walks thus far.

Soto is not yet on pace to surpass his total from last year. He is currently on pace for approximately 133 walks, a bit below his major league leading 145 walks in 2021. Those 145 walks tied for the 20th most in major league history, a feat that is all the more impressive given how young Soto is.

While he is below that pace right now, it would not be a surprise if he came close by the end of the year. Bell and Cruz are likely to be traded, leaving Luis Garcia and Yadiel Hernandez as the Nationals’ best hitters behind Soto. If the opposition does not have a reason to pitch to him now, just imagine what it would be like after the trade deadline.

And that is perfectly fine by Soto. He will take what the pitcher gives him, heading to first if he does not get a pitch to swing at. Those trots down to first could end up helping Soto make history.

There is no reason to pitch to Juan Soto at this point. It will get even worse after the Washington Nationals sell at the trade deadline.