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Washington Nationals: Three Biggest Surprises To Start The 2022 Season

By Max Rayman

MIAMI, FLORIDA - MAY 18: Victor Arano #64 of the Washington Nationals delivers a pitch during the tenth inning against the Miami Marlins at loanDepot park on May 18, 2022 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FLORIDA - MAY 18: Victor Arano #64 of the Washington Nationals delivers a pitch during the tenth inning against the Miami Marlins at loanDepot park on May 18, 2022 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
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Juan Soto
WASHINGTON, DC – OCTOBER 03: Juan Soto #22 of the Washington Nationals bats against the Boston Red Sox at Nationals Park on October 03, 2021 in Washington, DC. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images) /

Juan Soto’s Struggles With Runners On Base

Since the second he was called up to the Nationals in 2018, Juan Soto has made a case for the best hitter in baseball. Across five seasons in D.C., he’s slashing an absurd .298/.429/.545, with 105 homers, 322 RBIs, and an OPS of .974. Last season he finished second in NL MVP voting after slashing .313/.465/.534 and entered this year as the favorite.

On the season, he’s slashing .250/.394/.496, with eight homers, 11 RBIs, and an OPS of .890– while drawing more walks (32) than strikeouts (26). His numbers are down compared to last season, but leads the league in walks, proving pitchers are still scared to pitch to him.

In years past, Soto has been one of the most dangerous hitters with runners on, but this season has been held in check. In 56 ABs, with runners on, he’s slashing .217/.319/.283, with one homer, four RBIs, and an OPS of .602. His numbers with runners in scoring position are even worse — slashing .071/.212/.071, with two RBIs, and an OPS of .283 in 28 ABs.

Comparatively, last year in 106 ABs with runners in scoring posting, Soto slashed .396/.577/.689, with 10 homers, 64 RBIs, and an OPS of 1.265. Part of Soto’s struggles has stemmed from him swinging more at pitches outside of the zone. Last year his chase rate (swings at pitches outside of the zone) was 15.1%, compared to 23.3% this season.

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