Philly Leader

Juan Soto has returned to the National League East, signing a significant 15-year, $765 million contract with the New York Mets. This move brings him back into frequent competition with the Philadelphia Phillies' pitching staff, who have had varying degrees of success against him.

Soto's overall performance against the Phillies is notable. Over his seven-year career, he has maintained a slash line of .292/.425/.556 with an OPS of .981. He has walked more times (66) than he has struck out (63) and hit 19 home runs against them, tying for his most against any team. At Citizens Bank Park, Soto has excelled, batting .327 with a 1.086 OPS and hitting 13 home runs.

However, much of this success at Citizens Bank Park occurred during his rookie season in 2018 when he hit six home runs there. Current Phillies pitchers have managed to contain Soto more effectively.

Zack Wheeler and Aaron Nola are two Phillies pitchers who have faced Soto frequently. Wheeler holds Soto to a .255 average with three home runs and an OPS of .877 over 51 at-bats. Nola allows a slightly higher average of .263 but also three home runs and an OPS of 1.051 over 38 at-bats.

Ranger Suárez has been particularly effective against Soto, holding him hitless in 12 at-bats with four strikeouts and an OPS of just .133. Taijuan Walker and Cristopher Sánchez have also limited Soto's impact in their encounters.

In the bullpen, José Alvarado has faced Soto in 13 plate appearances, allowing a .231 average without extra-base hits for an OPS of .675. Matt Strahm held Soto to one hit in five at-bats for an OPS of .575.

The Phillies' pitching staff will continue to draw on these experiences as they face Juan Soto more regularly following his return to the division.