Nationals fans should absolutely buy into the Juan Soto hype

Sometimes buying into hype about a 19-year-old phenom is the wrong move. Nationals fans can feel great about Juan Soto’s chances for stardom.

Juan Soto may only have 64 major league at bats under his belt, but it’s easy to see he’s going to become an absolute superstar. Nationals fans can safely count on the 19-year-old outfielder to anchor the middle of their batting order for years to come.

Soto’s mammoth home run shot at Yankee Stadium last night formally announced his arrival to baseball fans all around the globe. Of course, it was his second long ball of the evening. The sheer majesty of his 436-foot blast off of Carson Shreve conjured up images of quite a few Yankees greats from yesteryear.

Of course, Soto is comfortably in a Nationals uniform. The team tried to leave him in the minors to start the year, but the lack of production from Moises Sierra made bringing him up to the big club a necessity. It’s safe to say everyone associated with Washington is very please with the team’s decision.

Soto is absolutely mashing the ball for his team at the moment. He’s hitting a blistering .344 during his time in the majors and already has five home runs to his name. For the record, his average is over 100 points higher than what Bryce Harper is currently sporting for the Nats.

The irony, of course, is that Soto may soon be counted on to take over for Harper as the most powerful star in the middle of the Nationals’ lineup. Harper is headed towards free agency this summer and Washington will face tons of competition in their attempt to sign him to a long-term contract. The emergence of Soto, combined with the impending arrival of top prospect Victor Robles might help soften the blow of Harper’s departure this summer.

Irregardless of what happens with Harper, Soto looks like a future star. His quick hands and compact stroke allow him to make solid contact with ease. His display at Yankee stadium last night also proves he isn’t going to be intimidated by any occasion. The outfielder is already playing well beyond his years.

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Nationals fans should be prepared for Soto to go through a tough stretch at some point this season, but that shouldn’t dampen their expectations for the talented slugger. Juan Soto will be the Nationals’ next star.