The relationship between the Washington Nationals and two-time All-Star Juan Soto has appeared to hit a snag. Reports surfaced over the weekend that for the third time since November, Soto rejected a contract offer from the Nationals. The latest rejection was to what would’ve been a record-setting deal of $440 million over 15 years. The rejection has pushed the Nationals to entertain trade offers for Soto.
It’s a turn of events that may force a change of direction for the Nationals. Just last month, President of Baseball Operations Mike Rizzo proclaimed “We’re not trading Juan Soto.”
Over the weekend while in D.C., Soto expressed some frustration about the contract talks being leaked to the public. Monday, Soto is in Los Angeles for the Home Run Derby and MLB All-Star Game. Speaking with reporters, Soto elaborated more on his ordeal with the Nationals.
“I haven’t talked with anybody to tell me how that changed or what was the mindset,” Soto said. “But definitely, it’s like you say, a couple weeks ago they were saying they will never trade me and now all these things came out. It feels really uncomfortable. You don’t know what to trust. But at the end of the day, it’s out of my hands what decision they make.”
Soto can’t reach free agency until after the 2024 season. That gives the Nationals control of his contract for the next two seasons. However, talks appear already broken.
Soto’s agent is Scott Boras. The Nationals are familiar with Boras’ negotiation tactics. They saw it up close and personal when his client Bryce Harper walked in free agent prior to the 2019 season. Then, Anthony Rendon after the Nats’ World Series-winning 2019 season.
There won’t be a shortage of suitors if Soto goes on the trade block. Already both New York teams along with the San Diego Padres are identified as early favorites in trade talks.
The possibility of being traded is hovering over Soto. But the 23-year old phenom says he is not going to let the situation distract him.
“For me right now, I’m just concentrating about baseball,” Soto said per Matt Weyrich of NBC Sports Washington. “Can’t do anything about it. I have my hands tied. I’m just gonna play as hard as I can and play baseball and forget about anything else. I don’t make the decisions… If they wanna make the decisions, I gotta just pack my stuff and go. If not, I’m gonna keep playing baseball as hard as I can.”
Soto struggled early in the season. But he has seemingly got back on track. He is currently on a 26-game on-base streak that included a 16-game hit streak. He’s raised his batting average from .214 to .250 by the All-Star break.
Sunday against the Atlanta Braves, Soto hit his 20th home run of the season. He has 43 RBIs, 17 doubles and a MLB-leading 79 walks as well.
While his play on the field doesn’t show, it appears Soto is bothered by the whole ordeal. Were the leaks to make Soto look bad? Or point save face considering Boras may not be acting in good faith. Reportedly, Soto’s camp has yet to make a counter offer.
Maybe Soto is doing a bit of PR maintenance himself. As he spoke to the media, Boras sat to the left of him. Through the talk, Soto put the light back on the Nationals, as if all he wants to do is remain in D.C.
“I’ve been a National since day one. Why would I want to change?” Soto proclaimed, per Chelsea Janes of the Washington Post.
The trade deadline is two weeks ago on Aug. 2. The Soto situation has skyrocketed to the forefront of MLB. All of baseball’s eyes are staring at the Nationals’ next move.
