San Diego Padres’ recent signing, Juan Soto, returned to Washington to play against his former team, the Washington Nationals. He was traded to the Padres together with first baseman Josh Bell on August 2 after turning down a 15-year contract worth $440 million from the Nationals.
Before his return, Soto prepared a video message for the Nationals fans and said that he was thankful for them.
“Nationals fans, thank you. Thank you for everything, thank you for being there for me, cheering for me,” Soto said.
“Even when we weren’t in the best moments as a team, you guys were there, every single day and I appreciate that. I love you all, even if I have another team’s uniform, I’m gonna still love you guys. Thank you. You guys made me who I am today and I hope I see you guys soon.”
Nationals’ fans welcome Soto
Soto’s return to Nationals Park was cheered by fans. When the 23-year-old player was at at-bat and walked to the plate in the first inning, Nationals fans were seen giving him standing ovations.
Soto responded to the appraisal by tipping his helmet before batting.
“It was tough, but at the end of the day I understand it’s a business,” he said. “They did the best thing for them and I’m happy, no hard feelings.”
During batting practice before the match, Soto waved at the Nationals’ fans wearing the team’s jersey No. 22. He said that playing as a Nationals player made him reach the “comfort level” with attention and notoriety.
However, he emphasized that he is still the same person he was before.
“So for me, for my family, for my friends, for my teammates, I’m going to be the same guy every day. So the transitions aren’t that bad. I’ve just been pretty cool with it, and still being the same Juan,” he said.
Soto entered the Nationals Park with a .254 batting average, 22 home runs, and 47 RBI from 109 games this season, which was 108 as a Nationals player.
However, in his first eight appearances with Padres, Soto recorded a .357 batting average, one homer, and eight RBI. In that game, Soto helped the Padres secure a win and recorded a double and single in the fifth inning.
Soto debuted in 2018, playing 573 games for the Nationals, and is considered one of the most dominant hitters in the MLB with 579 hits, 120 home runs, and 359 RBI. He also became a part of the Nationals’ 2019 World Series campaign, was named twice as an all-star, and claimed the 2022 home run derby championship winner.
As a result of the trade, the Nationals received first baseman Luke Voit, shortstop C.J. Abrams, and pitcher MacKenzie Gore. In addition, the Nats also gained three minor league players, namely Robert Hassell III, James Wood, and Jarlin Susana.
Asked about his feeling when traded, Soto spoke to reporters and said that he was crying the whole morning that day. He said that he always remembered how he started at the age of 16 as part of the Nationals and said that his time with the franchise was impactful on his career.
Wrapping up his time with the Nationals this season, Soto recorded 84 hits, 21 home runs, and 46 RBI.
Soto will not have to wait long to play in front of his old supporters as the Padres will face the Nationals again on Saturday and Sunday, August 13-14.