While the Washington Nationals’ attempt to defend their World Series title did not go the way they’d hoped in 2020, outfielder Juan Soto firmly established himself as one of the best hitters in baseball.
On Thursday, he won his first Silver Slugger award, given to the top offensive performers at every position. Soto was one of three National League outfielders to be recognized, joining Mookie Betts of the Los Angeles Dodgers and Ronald Acuña Jr. of the Atlanta Braves.
>> Subscribe to Sports Spectrum Magazine for more stories where sports and faith connect <<
The 22-year-old native of the Dominican Republic hit the cover off the baseball after he was cleared to play following a positive COVID test. He led all of MLB in on-base percentage (.490), slugging percentage (.695) and OPS (1.185), as he hit 13 home runs in 47 games and paced the NL with a .351 batting average.
Soto’s strong season follows up breakout postseason from 2019, when he played a crucial role in the Nationals’ claiming the first World Series title in franchise history. Soto hit .333 with three home runs and seven RBIs in the Fall Classic.
His ascension to becoming of MLB’s best young stars is not something Soto expected.
“It’s a blessing from God, to be here in the big leagues and play baseball like I have,” Soto said prior to last year’s World Series. “I never thought I’d be this talented of a player.”
But he is talented, and he regularly gives God the glory. After the 2019 NLCS, he posted a photo of him with the trophy and said, “For you my God be the glory” (translated).
Back in March, as the coronavirus pandemic really began to spread, Soto posted a message that read, “Smile, you don’t know what God is protecting you from” (translated).
View this post on Instagram
Sonríe, no sabes de qué Dios te está protegiendo 🙏🏽🕊 #philipenses413 #ua
Soto also has worn a wristband that says “1 Cor. 13:13.” That Bible verse reads, “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”
If his career so far is any indication, Soto is going to bring plenty of smiles as one of the biggest stars in baseball for years to come, giving glory to God as he does so.
RELATED STORIES:
— Rising star Juan Soto praises God while leading Washington Nationals in World Series
— Rockies 3B Nolan Arenado wins 8th Gold Glove while steadied by his faith
— Clayton Kershaw’s strong postseason helps Dodgers get over World Series hump
