The San Diego Padres signed outfielder Juan Soto to a one-year, $23 million annual contract.

Major League Baseball’s official website said on the 14th (Korean time), “The San Diego club avoided adjusting the salary by agreeing to an annual salary contract with Soto next year.” Soto, who made his major league debut in 2018, was traded from the Washington Nationals to San Diego in August last year.

He had 27 home runs, 62 RBIs, and 93 runs scored in 154 games with two teams last year, with a batting average of 0.242 and 0.853 OPS. His career record was 617 games, 125 homers, 374 RBIs, 430 points, 38 stolen bases, a batting average of 0.287 OPS and 0.950.

$23 million is the fourth-highest ever for a player eligible for salary adjustments. The all-time leader is Shohei Ohtani ($30 million), followed by Mookie Betts ($27 million) and Nolan Arenado ($26 million). 먹튀검증

According to the website above, Soto will become a free agent after the 2024 season, but San Diego is considering extending the contract with Soto. San Diego general manager AJ Preller expressed Soto as he entered the Stove League, saying, “He is a player who should continue to be on this team (San Diego) from now on.”

Meanwhile, in addition to Soto, San Diego has reached an agreement with players subject to salary adjustment this winter. Closer Josh Hader has $14.1 million, infielder Jake Cronenworth has $4.225 million, outfielder Trent Grisham has $3.175 million, and catcher Austin Nola has $2.35 million.