Which Micky Mantle record did the New York Yankees’ Juan Soto break?
The Yankees’ star set a new record during his team’s most recent win and in doing so surpassed another Yankees legend, albeit in a very interesting way.
There is a sense of humor in the milestone that the Yankees’ slugger has just reached. After all, his latest achievement is not based on his production, but rather the threat of it which is why so many opponents have chosen to avoid clashing with him.
Juan Soto breaks Micky Mantle’s walk record
On Tuesday night, New York Yankees outfielder Juan Soto made MLB history when he was walked during a 5-1 win over the Minnesota Twins. Coming into the game, Soto had 668 career bases on balls and so, with his walk broke a tie with Yankees legend Mickey Mantle for the most walks drawn by a batter before they celebrated their 26th birthday.. Keep reading to see a break down of the top five players in the aforementioned category.
If you’re wondering, Soto will celebrate his 26th birthday on October 25th. This of course is his first season in Big Apple after being traded to the Yankees via the San Diego Padres during winter. The Dominican Republic native entered Tuesday’s game hitting .314/.414/.541 with nine home runs and 34 runs batted in on the season. For perspective, the current rate at which he is producing - Soto has a 171 OPS+ - will see him register the second-best campaign of his career so far, something that can only be a good thing for the Yankees.
Indeed, it is Soto’s discipline at plate which has largely separated him from most others. With an average of 132 walks per 162 games throughout his career, he’s truly elite. Regarding the man he dethroned, what can be said about Micky Mantle other than he’s truly a legend of the sport?
| Player | No. of Walks |
|---|---|
| Juan Soto | 669 |
| Mickey Mantle | 668 |
| Mel Ott | 626 |
| Eddie Yost | 620 |
| Bryce Harper | 585 |
From his three MVP awards to his Hall of Fame induction in 1974 in his first year on the ballot, Mantle was an icon of the game. Where numbers are concerned, the Oklahoma native posted a 172 OPS+ with 536 home runs, 153 stolen bases, and an estimated 110 Wins Above Replacement. As for the Yankees, they will be feeling themselves after confirming their dominance over the Twins yet again. To date, the pinstripes are now 118-44 in their last 162 games (including postseason matchups) against the Twins.