“They make errors, we make errors” - When Juan Soto expressed surprise over his first-ever ejection during a Braves game in 2018

During his rookie season in 2018, Juan Soto started turning heads in the sport. He was quickly becoming a phenom for the Washington Nationals with just how well he was swinging the bat early on.

He looked more like an established veteran than a rookie at the time and struck fear into opposing pitchers. However, his rookie season was not all sunshine and rainbows.

During an August game against the Atlanta Braves, Soto would get ejected while in the box before seeing a pitch that at-bat. It was his first career ejection, and the slugger broke down what he said to get ejected.

"The pitch before was a ball, [just] to make sure he understands and be better and [help] us," Soto says of the conversation he had with homeplate umpire Greg Gibson.

Soto did not believe what he said should have led to an ejection. In his mind, he was trying to help Gibson get a better feel for the plate but Soto did not hold a grudge against the umpire afterward.

"They try to do [their] job and I try to do mine. They make errors, we make errors. We are humans just [going] day by day" said Soto.

Juan Soto is gearing up for a monster offseason

New York Yankees - Juan Soto (Photo via IMAGN)

Since Juan Soto's rookie season in 2018, he has been a menace at the plate. His power along with his understanding of the strike zone make him an elite MLB hitter.

He has been vital to much of the New York Yankees' success this season. His presence has taken a lot of the pressure off Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton to perform every game.

Soto will become a free agent when the season comes to an end. He will be one of the most sought-after free agents on the market alongside guys like Pete Alonso and Alex Bregman.

However, his contract could be a lot higher than those guys mentioned. Some analysts believe he will garner a contract upwards of $500 million over the next 14 years.

This offseason will be one that could really shake things up across the MLB. It will certainly be one that baseball fans will want to pay close attention to. Will Soto re-sign with the Yankees or will we see the slugger dressed in something other than pinstripes in 2025?