The Juan Soto sweepstakes have the potential to be legendary.
The Washington Nationals would love to extend him, but so far, they have failed in two previous attempts to do so.
They have had two offers turned down by the player’s camp, one worth $350 million and the other, this past weekend, for $440 million.
The frustrated Nationals, as a result, are starting to consider trading the star and starting over with a huge package of prospects and MLB-ready young players.
Teams are starting to line up for the talented 23-year-old slugger.
According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, some of them have presented some preliminary offers.
“The Washington #Nats have begun fielding preliminary offers for Juan Soto, with seven teams already weighing in, including 3 in the NL West: #Mariners #Padres #SFGiants #Dodgers #STLCards #Yankees #Mets. The trade deadline is Aug. 2, but Nats will wait unless get the right deal,” he reported.
The Washington #Nats have begun fielding preliminary offers for Juan Soto, with seven teams already weighing in, including 3 in the NL West:#Mariners#Padres#SFGiants#Dodgers#STLCards#Yankees#Mets.
The trade deadline is Aug. 2, but Nats will wait unless get the right deal— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) July 21, 2022
Washington Appears To Be Preparing For A Soto Trade
It’s looking increasingly likely that the Nationals are open to dealing Soto.
That implies their most recent extension talks with agent Scott Boras and Soto have gone nowhere.
Soto has slashed .293/.427/.541 with an impressive .968 OPS in his career so far, one that includes a World Series ring, two All-Star berths, two Silver Slugger awards, a batting title, and multiple top-five MVP finishes.
That’s his career so far, and he isn’t even 24 yet.
He has two-and-a-half years of team control remaining, so the Nats are not obligated to trade him before August 2.
However, they know they will maximize his value by doing so before this year’s trade deadline.
We may be about to watch a franchise-altering trade for two teams.
NEXT: MLB Insider Reveals How Juan Soto Cares For His Bats