LOS ANGELES -- The Juan Soto the New York Mets expected when they gave him the richest contract in sports history finally appeared in his purest form Wednesday night at Dodger Stadium by stealing the show without even putting the ball in play.
Twice, in his second and third plate appearances, Soto engaged in theatrical seven-pitch battles with Dodgers right-hander Tony Gonsolin. And twice he won with enthralling walks, commanding attention as much between pitches as during the action.
He flashed smiles waiting for Gonsolin's pitches, after taking pitches, and after cracking a line drive just foul down the right-field line.