Pitchers beware.
New York Mets left fielder Juan Soto is already one of the best hitters in Major League history. At just 27, Soto has won six Silver Slugger Awards and a batting title, leading MLB with a .351 average during the pandemic-shortened 2020 season.
But Soto’s approach in the batter’s box does not end at smashing home runs and lacing doubles. He has one of the best eyes in baseball, frequently laying off pitches just out of the strike zone.
Obviously, Soto’s ability not to chase leads to a tremendous amount of walks.
Soto has the most career walks before turning 28
In today’s game, it’s very rare for a hitter to have more walks in a season than strikeouts. Soto has accomplished that feat in five of his eight seasons, and he has 896 career bases on balls.
According to MLB.com’s Sarah Langs, Soto has the most career walks before turning 28, edging Mickey Mantle’s previous record of 892 by four. Mantle drew more walks than strikeouts in seven of his 18 years with the New York Yankees.
Juan Soto has 896 career walks
that’s the most by a player before turning 28, ahead of Mickey Mantle’s 892
he already has the pre-28 record, and he’s yet to even play a game as a 27-year-old
most before turning 29: 1,003 (Mantle)
Again. He turned 27 in Oct!
— Sarah Langs (@SlangsOnSports) February 17, 2026
Soto’s career is still relatively young, but he needs 1,666 more walks to catch up to MLB’s all-time leader in the category — Barry Bonds.
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