Juan Soto is one of the hottest names in the ongoing free agency market for off-season MLB this year. Some of the biggest teams are talking about trading in Soto, despite his evident unavailability. His stats for this year reflect nothing but excellence. However, it was a certain move that he made five years ago that permanently etched his name on MLB.

Juan put the Yankees’ ace Gerrit Cole in his place on the mound in what can be considered the most riveting video of this decade.

When Juan Soto ruled over the Yankees

Juan Soto made his MLB debut playing with the Washington Nationals team at just 19 years of age. A recent Twitter (now X) video that resurfaced showed Soto locking horns with pitcher Gerrit Cole of the Yankees fame.

The video displays Cole throwing a fastball heading towards Soto at 96mph. Soto, the third-youngest player in the entire MLB back then, hit the ball without even batting his eye. The 20-year-old hitter sent the ball flying across the field at a mind-boggling 106mph speed.

Max Mannis, a baseball enthusiast and avid Yankees fan, stated, “20 year old Juan Soto taking 2019 Gerrit Cole oppo to the train tracks was one of the most impressive things I’ve ever seen on a baseball field.”

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The spectators watched with eyes full of astonishment as the ball crossed approximately 417 feet. It marked the third homer of that postseason. Juan Soto made a place in the hearts of the Nationals fans by wiping the floors clean with Cole’s throw, which is infamous for terrifying most hitters on the diamond.

Juan Soto bagged 35 homers and 109 RBIs across 162 games this season. He has also been winning the Silver Slugger Award every year since 2020. In the last six seasons, the Dominican has racked up over 483 runs across 779 games.

The biggest of names in MLB are eyeing Soto this offseason

It’s hardly surprising that Soto is experiencing a fervent pursuit this offseason, given the rich tapestry of historical moments that embellish his career. The most prominent franchises in MLB, including the Yankees, Mets, Giants, and Blue Jays, are all vying to secure a share of Soto’s exceptional skill set.

Read More: Amidst Juan Soto Deal, New York Yankees Firmly Shut Down Talks Involving Derek Jeter’s Successor and ‘The Martian’

The demand for his talent is a testament to the impact he has made and the allure he holds for some of the biggest names in the league. Fans can only hope that he brings the same fiery spirit to the upcoming season as well!

Watch This Story: ESPN Insider Drops Bold Juan Soto Predictions: Fans Eagerly Shout ‘Yankee’ With 100% Confidence