In some ways, San Diego Padres star Juan Soto is quite a bit like MLB legend Barry Bonds.

No, we’re not saying their place in historical past is comparable as a result of it might be unfair to Soto, who’s simply 24 years outdated.

Nevertheless, they’re each lefty-hitting outfielders with energy and an unimaginable eye on the plate.

In fact, Bonds’ energy was significantly extra impactful and evident than Soto’s, who remains to be but to surpass 34 dwelling runs in a season.

Each males share one thing that the remainder of the league simply lacks: a game-changing eye on the plate.

Soto doesn’t strike out typically and ran a 20.3 p.c stroll charge in 2022, by far the most effective mark within the league.

He was miles higher than the second-ranked hitters, Aaron Decide and Max Muncy.

In reality, the distinction between Soto and them was traditionally related.

“The distinction between Soto’s 20.3% stroll charge and Decide/Muncy at 15.9% is the biggest between certified Nos. 1 & 2 in stroll charge in a season since 2004, when Barry Bonds led at 37.6% and Todd Helton was 2nd at 18.6%,” MLB stats skilled Sarah Langs tweeted.

this checklist is not all qualifiers, however the prime 3 gamers all are

the distinction between Soto’s 20.3% stroll charge and Decide/Muncy at 15.9% is the biggest between certified Nos. 1 & 2 in stroll charge in a season since 2004, when Barry Bonds led at 37.6% and Todd Helton was 2nd at 18.6% https://t.co/cIoyAFAt6q

— Sarah Langs (@SlangsOnSports) February 9, 2023

Regardless of career-low outputs in batting common (.242) and slugging proportion (.452), Soto nonetheless managed to hit 27 dwelling runs and end with a 145 wRC+ in a “down” season.

If you wish to see what a premium season from him would appear like, test his 2019 or his 2021 numbers.

He’s a particular hitter, and MLB pitchers positive deal with him like one.

He does an impeccable job at shedding dangerous pitches and profiting from hittable strikes, higher than anybody else in MLB.

He’ll attempt to lead the Padres to their first World Sequence win in franchise historical past.