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Juan Soto 2020 Outlook: Sky Is The Limit Entering Age-21 Season
5 years agoWashington Nationals outfielder Juan Soto had a tremendous first full season in the big leagues, which was ultimately capped by bringing home a World Series trophy and the Babe Ruth Award. His 34 HR, 110 R, 110 RBI, 12 SB, and .282 BA were mouth-watering numbers, especially considering that 2019 was his age-20 season. Soto displayed exceptional plate discipline metrics as a youngster as well, holding a 20.0% K-rate and 16.4% walk rate, the latter finishing as sixth-best in the majors. Statcast couldn't contain "Childish Bambino" ether after posting a superior 47.8% Hard Hit% and 12.3% Barrel% last season. There is still room for improvement on these numbers, though, after struggling to hit breaking balls all year (.217 BA). With Anthony Rendon leaving via free-agency, Soto will lose that protection in the lineup unless the front office brings in a new skilled bat. Nothing seems to phase this kid, though, making it a realistic possibility he can repeat his 2019 stats. Soto is a reliable draft choice in the early second-round of fantasy drafts, especially if he shows growth versus breaking pitches.
