Special achievement beckons for Juan Soto as slugger set to create MLB history in ALDS

On Saturday evening, Juan Soto will make his postseason debut for the New York Yankees when they take on the Kansas City Royals in Game 1 of the American League Division Series. This will be the third playoff appearance for Soto over his relatively short career with just as many teams, and he will accomplish this rare feat before he celebrates his 26th birthday later this month.

Soto made his MLB debut with the Washington Nationals in 2018 and made his first postseason appearance the following year. A then-20-year-old Soto was a key part of that Nationals team, which won the franchise's first World Series title. Soto made his second postseason appearance in 2022 after he was traded to the San Diego Padres, but they failed to reach the playoffs last year.

The Yankees acquired Juan Soto from the Padres at the start of the 2024 season on a one-year, $31 million deal before he became a free agent for the first time in his career. The left-handed slugger formed a dynamic partnership alongside Aaron Judge as the pair emulated Yankees legends, Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig, with both players producing over 40 home runs and 100 RBIs in the same season.

As a result, the Yankees secured their postseason berth by winning the AL East title largely due to the hitting prowess of Soto and Judge. Therefore, Soto will appear in the playoffs wearing a third different uniform this year. As per MLB.com's Sarah Langs, he will be the youngest player to feature in the postseason for three different teams, surpassing the previous record held by Jason Heyward by more than a year.

Jason Heyward was 27 years and 59 days old when he appeared in the 2016 postseason for the Chicago Cubs, having previously done the same with the Atlanta Braves and the St. Louis Cardinals. Juan Soto will be 25 years and 347 days old when he takes the field at Yankee Stadium this Saturday.

Juan Soto unsure of Yankees return despite excellent first season

Having signed a high-profile short-term deal with the Bronx Bombers, Soto more than lived up to the expectations at the Bronx. The 25-year-old had an excellent campaign and may well finish as the runner-up in the AL MVP voting behind Aaron Judge, who is expected to win the award unanimously.

Soto finished the regular season with a .288/.419/.569 slash line and an OPS+ of 178 while driving in 109 runs, including a career-high 41 home runs. Yet, despite his prolific production and glowing adoration from the home fans, Soto may not return as a Yankee next year.

Undoubtedly, Soto will be the most coveted free agent in the upcoming offseason. The bidding is expected to start at around $500 million, so the Yankees will have to offer the biggest contract in its history to keep him in the Bronx for the long haul.