Track Record: A shortstop for much of his amateur career, Soto made a quick transition once he began to focus on pitching at Reborn Christian Academy outside Orlando. He leapt up teams’ pref lists when his velocity jumped from the low 90s as a rising junior to the high 90s over the 2022 summer showcase circuit as a rising senior. That velocity spike made Soto’s already impressive changeup even more effective. The Twins drafted Soto 34th overall in the supplemental first round of the 2023 draft. He signed for a slot bonus of $2.48 million, which was one of the larger bonuses the Twins have handed out for a high school pitcher.
Scouting Report: Unlike many young fireballers, Soto showed true conviction in his changeup, often doubling up on it. At his best, he shows feel for pitching to go with his stuff. Soto was a little inconsistent in the spring, but at his best he showed exceptional velocity and advanced savvy as one of the younger pitchers in the 2023 draft class. Soto may eventually touch 100 mph, but his fastball is unlikely to be his best pitch. While it has premium velocity, it’s not expected to miss a ton of bats in pro ball because it has relatively average movement. His plus 84-88 mph changeup is a present weapon. It has sink, fade and deception. Soto also throws a high-80s slider that’s also an above-average pitch. Soto’s delivery is clean, but like many young pitchers, he needs to improve his fringe-average control.
The Future: The Twins didn’t have Soto pitch in any official games after he signed, so he’ll make his pro debut in 2024, likely for Low-A Fort Myers. Soto will pitch almost all of the 2024 season as an 18-year-old. He has present physicality and polish, so he offers a pretty well-rounded package.
Scouting Grades Fastball: 60 | Slider: 55 | Changeup: 60 | Control: 45
