WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — To The Washington NationalsToo many games finished last season with star Juan SotoInstead of swinging in the batter’s box, you can watch from the on-deck circle.
Davey Martinez, Nationals manager, hopes to reduce the number of such incidents by moving Soto to the 2nd spot in the batting lineup.
Martinez stated, “Last year, there were 14 times that he was on the deck and didn’t get the last at bat.” You want him to hit if he gets a chance to hit again.
Washington’s No. Washington’s No. 2 hitter had 19 more plate appearances than its No. 3 hitter. Martinez loves Soto to hit second.
With the National League adopting this year’s designated hitter, the ninth batter — for the Nats, it’s often been this spring Victor Robles— Doesn’t need to be a pitcher. This should give the No. 2 hitter with more RBI chances
Martinez helped Soto with a persuasive factoid to sell the move to the second slot.
Martinez replied, “I told Martinez seven of the last ten MVPs did hit second.”
Christian Yelich, Shohei Ohtani, Mike Trout, Freddie Freeman Jose AltuveThey were among the stars who reached second primarily, or saw significant at bats there during their MVP seasons.
Big hitters Bryce Harper, Aaron Judge Manny MachadoYou have also seen a lot of time at that slot.
Soto embraces the chance to follow their path.
Soto stated that he would accept the challenge and watch how it unfolds. It will take some time to adjust, but it will be okay.
Soto will be expected to take on some traditional duties as the No. 2 hitter.
Soto explained that it’s not always about bringing the run in. Sometimes you’ve got the need to get the guy over or on base for the guys behind, and all of that.
He is even open to more attempts at stealing.
The 23-year old Soto was one of the most productive young hitters in baseball last season. He hit.313 with 29 homers as well as 95 RBIs. Primarily hitting from the No. 3 spot in front Josh BellSoto was the leader of majors with 145 walks. This is 34 more than the second-place finish. Joey GalloTo be the best in baseball with a.465 base average
During the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, Soto was the NL’s most successful hitter with a.351 batting record.
Nationals believes that signing veteran players will increase their chances of winning. Nelson CruzTo be their designated batter, they addressed concerns regarding teams’ pitching around Soto.
Martinez’s opening day plans were evident in Sunday’s top line against Houston. Cesar HernandezStarting off, followed closely by Soto and Cruz, then Bell.
Martinez stated, “I think that he has pretty good protection — not quite good, but really good.”
Soto is likely to get his walk even with all that protection.
Soto has an uncanny ability of judging borderline pitches and is actively encouraged to be more selective this year.
Martinez said, “Honestly I don’t say this about him every single year, but I think that he will have a monster season.” “He is my big friend and we always talk about accepting his walks, especially at the beginning of the season. It seems that he is a swinger, swinger, swinger, especially early in the season.
Soto swings early to improve his timing at the plate. Although that timing was difficult to predict earlier in the spring, Soto went 7-23 with two Grapefruit League games before opening day. Soto has two homers, six RBI, and six walks.
Soto declared, “I feel great.” “I feel ready to go from a week ago,” Soto said.
The Nationals will open the season at home against the New York Mets.