The Washington Nationals are moving Juan Soto to second in the batting order to begin the 2022 season.

Last season, Washington's No. 2 hitter made 19 more plate appearances than its No. 3 hitter.

"Last year there were 14 times when he was on deck and didn't get that last at-bat," Davey Martinez said. "If he's going to get an opportunity to hit again, you want him to hit."

Martinez also helped sell Soto on the move to the second spot with a persuasive factoid.

"I told him seven of the last 10 MVPs did hit second," Martinez said.