The “Soto Shuffle” has turned into the “Soto Struggle” this year. Does this put a small little smile on my face? It sure does. That definitely has nothing to do with the bitterness and anger I hold towards the Nationals for trading him away in 2022 to the Padres for “prospects.” Soto was 23 years old at the time of the trade last year, HE IS YOUNG ENOUGH TO BE A PROSPECT…you don't trade him away for children who you think may be good in the future!
It is crazy that out of the eight professional sports located in Washington, D.C. I truly believe in my heart of hearts that I could run a better organization than at least half of the crumbs sitting in the owner's suite every game. That's a story for another day though.
Juan Soto, through 24 games, is on track to have his worst season since he started playing in the big leagues in 2018. He has come up to bat 81 times and gotten a hit 16 of those 81 plate appearances, is batting .198, has struck out 24 times, and his On-base Percentage is at an all time low of .369. Now, 24 games is not a huge sample size to say the least so lets crunch the numbers even more. Since he has been traded to the Padres (76 games) he is batting .224, has an OBP of .378, and his slugging percentage is .385. For context, he never had an OBP lower than .401, a slugging percentage lower than .485, and a batting average lower than .246 when he was on the Nationals.
Does it truly make me happy that Juan Soto is playing his worst baseball ever? No, it makes me want to cry. But, it does give me hope that Juan Soto doesn’t like playing in San Diego and will want to come back to the Nationals, like the Prodigal Son did in the Bible, at the end of the year. It would be the perfect storm for the Nats. Steal the Padres’ top prospects, and get back our hero in Juan Soto once his contract is over in San Diego.
I miss the kid so much and I hate to see him struggling like he is. Honestly, I think it has to do with the damn pitch clock. He has less time to get in the pitcher's head doing the “Soto Shuffle”, and it is putting him out of his comfort zone.
Juan José Soto Pacheco, if you are reading this, this is me speaking on behalf of all National’s fans across the nation. You will always be welcome in D.C. and if you need to negotiate a contract or have any further questions please call ME first. We can work something out, I am sure of it. Love you.
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