Watch: Padres OF Juan Soto receives standing ovation from Nationals' faithful in return to D.C.
Little more than a week since being traded to the San Diego Padres, All-Star outfielder Juan Soto made his return to Washington D.C. on Friday night.
In the first inning, Soto came to the plate for his first at-bat and was greeted by the Nationals' faithful by standing applause.
Soto shared a video message with fans, thanking them for all the support through five seasons.
"Nationals' fans, thank you. Thank you for everything," Soto said. "Thank you for being there for me, cheering for me. Even if they weren't the best moments of the team, you guys were there every single day and I appreciate that. I love you all. Even if I have another team uniform, I'm going to still love you guys. Thank you, you guys made me who I am today, and I hope to see you guys soon."
After a slow start with the Friars, Soto's bat has begun to come around since the trade.
In eight games with the Padres, Soto is slashing .357/.471/.607 with ten hits, a home run, an RBI, and six walks.
On the year, Soto has 22 home runs and 47 RBI, slashing .254/.413/.495 in 109 games.
The Padres acquired Soto and fellow All-Star Josh Bell ahead of the trade deadline from the Nationals in exchange for shortstop C.J. Abrams, starting pitcher MacKenzie Gore, and three of San Diego's top prospects.
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