Breaking Mickey Mantle’s Record: Juan Soto’s Impressive Season with the New York Yankees

On Tuesday night, Juan Soto of the New York Yankees made history in Major League Baseball by drawing a walk in a game against the Minnesota Twins. This win marked the moment when Soto surpassed Yankees legend Mickey Mantle in career walks drawn before turning 26 years old. At just 25 years old, Soto now holds the record with 669 walks, beating Mantle’s previous record of 668. Other notable players in this category include Mel Ott with 626 walks, Eddie Yost with 620 walks, and Bryce Harper with 585 walks.

Soto has been performing well in his first season with the Yankees after being traded from the San Diego Padres over the winter. His elite plate discipline has always been a strength, as he has consistently walked over 100 times in each of his full seasons so far. His current season stats include a batting average of .314, an on-base percentage of .414, and a slugging percentage of .541 with nine home runs and 34 RBIs.

Mantle was previously the record-holder for walks drawn before the age of 26 and was a baseball legend with three MVP awards and a Hall of Fame induction in 1974. His career statistics include a 172 OPS+, 536 home runs, 153 stolen bases, and an estimated 110 Wins Above Replacement according to Baseball-Reference. The Yankees have been dominant against the Twins in recent matchups, with a record of 118-44 in their last 162 games, including postseason games against Minnesota.