Los Angeles Dodgers fans were not exactly happy to see Juan Soto wearing a San Diego Padres uniform.
The Juan Soto sweepstakes was an enticing one, as it is not often when a team trades their 23-year-old superstar outfielder. But, that is the decision the Washington Nationals made after Soto turned down a 15-year, $440 million contract with the team. There were many teams in on Soto, including the Los Angeles Dodgers. But, it was the San Diego Padres who won out, as they got Soto and first baseman Josh Bell in a deal with the Nationals.
In his first game at Dodger Stadium as a member of the Padres on Friday, Soto was greeted with a chorus of boos by Dodgers fans. As Kevin Acee of the San Diego Tribune points out, Soto was cheered the week prior when he was still with the Nationals.
Juan Soto greeted with boos in first game at Dodger Stadium as member of the Padres
The Dodgers were among three teams that were in on Soto on the day of the trade deadline. The other teams were the St. Louis Cardinals and, obviously, the Padres. San Diego won out after trading Luke Voit, C.J. Abrams, MacKenzie Gore, Robert Hassell III, James Wood, and Jarlin Susana to Washington.
As for the game on Friday itself, Soto recorded just one hit in three at-bats, which was a single in the top of the first inning. However, it was the Dodgers who got the last laugh, as they defeated the Padres 8-1.
In 104 games this season (between both the Nationals and Padres) entering Saturday night, Soto is slashing .249/.410/.490 while recording 21 home runs, 46 RBI, 64 runs scored, and 88 hits.
Juan Soto, welcome to the Dodgers vs. Padres rivalry.