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Soto’s ascent through the farm system was rapid. Despite facing injury setbacks, he quickly transformed into a formidable player for the Nationals. His major league debut in May 2018 was a historic moment, although it started on a rather muted note with a strikeout as a pinch-hitter. However, the next day heralded a new chapter as Soto hit his first home run—the ball technically thrown in a game suspended prior to his debut.
Setting MLB teenage records, Soto's emergence was electrifying but did not culminate in the Rookie of the Year award. In the 2019 postseason, he proved essential to the Nationals’ success, hitting pivotal home runs that helped secure their first World Series title.