MLB Insider: 3 stars who have bounced back during 2023 regular season

Juan Soto #22 of the San Diego Padres celebrates after hitting a RBI single during the seventh inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers in game four of the National League Division Series at PETCO Park on October 15, 2022 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

3 of 3

Mar 31, 2023; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego Padres left fielder Juan Soto (22) tosses his bat after striking out to end the eighth inning against the Colorado Rockies at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports /

Juan Soto, San Diego Padres

When the San Diego Padres acquired Juan Soto at the 2022 trade deadline, sending an abundance of their top prospects to the Nationals, they expected Soto to play like the best player in baseball. A franchise-altering type player who could help lead them to the World Series.

While the Padres made it to the National League Championship Series last year, Soto never played like himself. In 52 games, he hit .236/.388/.390 with six home runs and 16 RBI and seemingly did not look comfortable in San Diego.

To start the 2023 season, it was more of the same. But in his last 28 games, he’s hitting .314/.449/.558 with four home runs and 13 RBI and looks a lot like the player that the Padres envisioned they were getting last summer.

Soto’s presence is everything for the Padres. If he continues to play like this, a World Series becomes much more attainable. That would also open up the door for a massive contract, with Soto already turning down a $440 million extension from the Nationals last summer.

Next. Ranking every MLB stadium, from the very worst to very best. dark

Home/MLB