Spring standouts: Soto’s hot start for Padres reminder of how good he can be

Baseball

Published 02.03.2023

Spring standouts: Soto’s hot start for Padres reminder of how good he can be

PHOENIX (AP) — Juan Soto was excellent, however not nice after he got here to the San Diego Padres in a midseason blockbuster deal.

His glorious begin in spring coaching this season is a reminder of how a lot of a game-changer he may be.

The outfielder — who continues to be simply 24 years outdated — had six hits in his first eight spring at-bats, together with three doubles, a homer, a stolen base and 6 RBIs. It’s already been an eventful camp for the Padres, who signed third baseman Manny Machado to a $350 million deal that would maintain him with the group by 2033.

Machado is likely to be the franchise cornerstone, however Soto’s bat can even possible be wanted this season if the Padres wish to make it to the World Series.

Soto got here to San Diego final August with a lot fanfare however wasn’t at his greatest in his first few months with the Padres. He hit simply .236 with six homers in 182 at-bats. He was additionally simply 11 for 46 (.239) within the postseason, although he did hit a pair of homers towards the Phillies within the NLCS.

Soto — a two-time All-Star — has already achieved quite a bit regardless of his younger age. He’s hit 125 profession homers and helped lead the Nationals to a World Series title in 2019.

Here are a couple of extra standouts within the early days of Grapefruit and Cactus League motion:

Jarred Kelenic, OF, Mariners: The 23-year-old was as soon as a high prospect, however has struggled in his first two years within the huge leagues. He’s flashed loads of energy however not almost sufficient contact, hitting .168 with 21 homers in 500 big-league at-bats. He’s had a very good begin this spring, batting 4 for 11 (.364) and crushing three homers.

Kris Bryant, OF, Rockies: The veteran missed an enormous chunk of final season with numerous accidents, however was strong when he performed, batting .306 with 5 homers. The 31-year-old has appeared wholesome thus far in Cactus League motion with two homers in his first seven spring at-bats. The hope for the Rockies is he’ll anchor the lineup, which is why they signed him to a seven-year, $182 million deal final offseason.

Bobby Dalbec, 1B, Red Sox: The 27-year-old has had a very good begin to the spring — with 4 hits, together with three doubles, in his first 9 at-bats — as he tries to bounce again from a disappointing 2022. Dalbec clubbed 25 homers in 2021 however regressed final season, batting simply .215 with 12 homers.

Nick Martinez, RHP, Padres: Martinez has been excellent thus far this spring, which bodes nicely for the Padres and for the U.S. within the World Baseball Classic. He’s thrown six scoreless innings in two begins. The 32-year-old was 4-4 with a 3.47 ERA final season whereas splitting time between the rotation and bullpen.

Robbie Ray, LHP, Mariners: The 2021 AL Cy Young Award winner appears to be like like he’s in midseason type with the Mariners, pitching 5 scoreless innings his first two spring begins whereas hanging out six. Ray had a 12-12 file with a 3.71 ERA and 212 strikeouts with Seattle final season.

Drey Jameson, RHP, D-backs: One of Arizona’s high prospects, Jameson is making a push to start out the season within the group’s rotation. He’s thrown 4 scoreless innings in two spring begins. The 25-year-old was spectacular in a late-season cameo final season, with a 3-0 file and 1.48 ERA in 4 begins.