Alfonso Soriano is a former professional baseball player who played in the Major League Baseball (MLB) for 16 seasons. He was born on January 7, 1976, in San Pedro de Macoris, Dominican Republic. Soriano began his professional baseball career in 1996 when he signed with the Hiroshima Toyo Carp of the Japanese Central League. He played for the Carp for one season before returning to the Dominican Republic to play winter ball.
In 1998, Soriano signed with the New York Yankees as an amateur free agent. He spent four seasons in the Yankees' minor league system before making his MLB debut in 1999. Soriano played for the Yankees from 1999 to 2003, where he established himself as one of the best second basemen in the league. He was named an All-Star in 2002 and 2003 and won the Silver Slugger Award in 2002.
In 2004, Soriano was traded to the Texas Rangers in exchange for Alex Rodriguez. He played for the Rangers for three seasons, where he continued to put up impressive offensive numbers. Soriano was named an All-Star in 2004 and 2005 and won the Silver Slugger Award in 2004.
In 2006, Soriano signed with the Washington Nationals as a free agent. He played for the Nationals for one season before being traded to the Chicago Cubs in 2007. Soriano played for the Cubs from 2007 to 2013, where he was primarily used as an outfielder. He was named an All-Star in 2007 and won the Silver Slugger Award in 2006 and 2008.
In 2014, Soriano signed with the Yankees for a second stint with the team. He played for the Yankees for half a season before being traded to the Rangers, where he finished his career.
Throughout his career, Soriano was known for his power hitting and speed on the basepaths. He hit 412 home runs and stole 289 bases, making him one of only five players in MLB history to have at least 400 home runs and 250 stolen bases. Soriano was also a seven-time All-Star and a four-time Silver Slugger Award winner.
After retiring from baseball, Soriano returned to the Dominican Republic, where he has been involved in various charitable endeavors. He has also expressed interest in coaching and has worked with young players in the Dominican Republic.
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