Juan Soto named National League Rookie of the Month

By Byron Kerr

Nationals

July 02, 2018, 10:51am

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The Nationals had a rough month of June, going 9-16. But they did have one shining star on offense in rookie outfielder Juan Soto. The 19-year-old left fielder was honored for his tremendous play as he received the National League Rookie of the Month award.

How big a difference-maker was Soto?

Soto hit .484 with two doubles, five homers, 14 runs and 13 RBIs in the Nats' nine wins. He had two game-winning RBIs and a stunning 1.642 OPS. His on-base percentage was .610 and he struck out only four times in 31 at-bats.

In the 24 games he played, Soto grounded into zero double-plays and walked 18 times.

His impact with the Nats cannot be overstated, with Bryce Harper not rolling as he expected to be. Soto batted cleanup several times and was even intentionally walked at one time so an opponent could face 2015 National League Championship Series Most Valuable Player Daniel Murphy.

Soto's award today happened to coincide with a noteworthy anniversary: He signed a contract to become a part of the Nationals organization on July 2, 2015.