By getting Juan Soto, the Padres made one of the biggest trade deadline deals in MLB history. But even as Soto himself significantly boosted the Padres’ chances at a World Series, he wasn’t the only player San Diego acquired at the deadline.
It somewhat got lost in the shuffle, but the Padres also traded for Brandon Drury — their new third baseman. As San Diego endeavored to show off their new toys against the Rockies (+1.5) at home on Wednesday night, it was Drury — not Soto — who made his presence known in front of the crowd at Petco Park.
In his very first at-bat!
Brandon Drury? No, that's Slam-don Drury. #TimeToShine pic.twitter.com/73sYlRnfz4
— San Diego Padres (@Padres) August 4, 2022
Oh, my word. I can’t remember the last time a new player, acquired at a trade deadline, hit a grand slam right away.
It’s never really happened with the Padres either, as Drury is the first to hit a grand slam in a debut in franchise history:
Brandon Drury is the first player in @Padres history to hit a grand slam in his team debut.
H/T @SNstats pic.twitter.com/jVkVzOXCDv
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) August 4, 2022
Now that’s something special.
Not to be outdone, Soto still contributed well in his first San Diego plate appearance by drawing a walk. It’s the superstar’s 92nd walk of the year, well ahead of the rest of the field as he picks up where he left off in D.C.:
In his first plate appearance as a San Diego Padre, Juan Soto… walks, fittingly.
It's his 92nd walk of the season, more than 30 clear of any other player in the league. pic.twitter.com/T0dP6JlKm1
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) August 4, 2022
The Padres couldn’t have hoped for a better debut for their new players. You have to think Drury and Soto are satisfied with the stellar and quietly good results, too.
