There is a whole lot of uncertainty surrounding Juan Soto and his status with his current team, the Washington Nationals.
Over the weekend, it was revealed that the Nationals had put forth a contract extension offer of 15 years and $440 million, but that Soto turned it down and that Washington was looking to trade him as a result.
So many rumors are circulating around this topic, and nobody knows what’s next.
Soto was able to put all of that on the back-burner last night as he took home his first ever Home Run Derby title, defeating Julio Rodriguez in the final round.
After the Derby, when Soto was celebrating, Buster Olney asked him about the trade rumors, to which Soto replied, “I’m a champion with the Nationals.”
The video of the interview is featured below in the tweet.
Juan Soto: “I’m a champion with the Nationals”
— Kev (@OnePursuitTakes) July 19, 2022
Soto A Champion With The Nats
Soto made one thing perfectly clear last night.
He doesn’t care about the trade rumors and he’s going to bloom wherever he’s planted, whether that be in Washington or somewhere else.
Soto may in fact be traded at the trade deadline.
In fact, it’s increasingly likely that he will be before August 2.
But for now, he’s enjoying his time with the Nationals and made sure to represent them loud and clear last night.
Regardless of what happens, Soto loves Washington and will always cherish the great moments he’s had over there, from bursting onto the scene in 2018 to winning a World Series in 2019.
He made it clear that as of now, his loyalties have not shifted.
He is focused on going out there each day and giving his all for the club.
For now, he’ll enjoy his Derby crown.
NEXT: Scott Boras Comments On Juan Soto's Immense Value