San Diego Padres: Juan Soto alone atop impressive list
By David Hill
Juan Soto’s patience has become almost legendary at this point. The San Diego Padres right fielder has improved his plate discipline over the years, essentially refusing to swing at anything that is not in the strike zone. It is something that may only get better in the coming years as well.
That patience and willingness to draw a walk have placed Soto atop an impressive list. As noted by Sarah Langs, his 469th career walk gave him the most walks of any player before turning 24 years old, passing Ted Williams and Mel Ott.
Juan Soto’s patience lets San Diego Padres outfielder make history
Considering that Soto will not turn 24 years old until the end of October, he has plenty of time to put plenty of distance between himself and Williams. As it is, hit 96 walks are 32 more than Jesse Winker, who ranks second in the majors with 64 bases on balls.
His trade to San Diego, and the improved lineup around him, have not made much of a difference. Soto has drawn five walks in his 21 plate appearances with the Padres entering Monday. He is still going to get his base on balls even with far more protection in the lineup.
That incredible patience has now put Soto atop of an impressive list. While there is never going to be a hitter such as Williams again, he is carving his own place in history. His blend of power, patience, and ability to make contact could end up in a legendary career of his own.
Although it may be somewhat premature, it is fair to wonder if Soto will make a run at the top spot all time. He is already 36th amongst active players despite having more than 1000 fewer plate appearances than anyone else on the list. Barry Bonds and his 2558 career walks may seem untouchable, but Soto’s lifetime 19.1% walk rate is not too far removed from Bonds’ 20.3% walk rate. And Bonds’ walk rate did not truly explode until later in his career.
Next. How Josh Hader learned of his trade. dark
Juan Soto has already walked his way into the record books. The San Diego Padres outfielder is only going to expand that gap.