Padres News: Juan Soto Has Impressive Personal Goal Set for End of 2023 Season

This would be a very impressive feat.

Through the good and through the bad, Padres slugger Juan Soto has been there to witness it all.

The outfielder, who San Diego acquired last season in a blockbuster trade with the Washington Nationals, leads the team with 29 home runs, including a three-run home run that broke a 7-7 tie with the Dodgers to give the Friars a win over their division rival on Monday night.

Soto, who has one more season remaining on his contract, is batting .260 with 89 RBIs and a .888 OPS, which is good for ninth in the major leagues.

With only 17 games remaining in the 2023 season, Soto has a chance to show his endurance as one of only six players to play in every one of his team's games.

“I want it,” he said. “I’ve never done it. It was one of my goals this year. Bob is still bugging me for the off day. At least we have one on Thursday. So I think I can sneak through it and see what happens.”

(Via

The San Diego Union-Tribune

)

Soto has appeared in all of the Padres' 145 games this season and has started 143 of them. While he is growing tired as the season reaches its conclusion, he is still set on accomplishing the feat.

“It feels a lot,” he said. “I’m not going to lie. Some days I wake up a little tired. Today was one of those days I feel great. (Bob Melvin) called me this morning and asked me how I feel. I told him I feel great. It’s just some days you feel like you have been playing (a lot of) games.”

(Via

The San Diego Union-Tribune

)

The Padres essentially have no chance of making the playoffs, barring any unprecedented collapses by the teams ahead in the NL Wild Card. Soto's goal of playing all 162 games would likely not be possible if the Friars were in a playoff position, as resting toward the end of the season is important. So, while the Padres are down for the count, Soto might as well join the ranks of those who have played a complete season.