Juan Soto turned down a massive $350 million, 13-year contract extension offer from the Washington Nationals. Soto told ESPN he will go year-to-year until he is eligible to test free agency.
Soto is still under the Nationals’ control through the 2024 season. However, that won’t stop fans of teams with deep pockets from yearning for the power-hitting 23-year old now.
Already a mega fan of one of the Nationals’ division rivals is making a pitch for his favorite team. NBA star Donovan Mitchell of the Utah Jazz started recruiting Soto to his hometown New York Mets.
For the wondering minds, Mitchell grew up in the New York Metropolitan area. However, the biggest reason he is a Mets fan is the fact his father, Donovan Sr., has worked with the organization since 1999. The elder Mitchell is currently an executive in the Mets front office.
Meanwhile, MLB insider Jon Heyman speculated the Mets may be in play for Soto in 2024.
The Nationals ownership has been hesitant to pay their young core hitters. Bryce Harper and Anthony Rendon walked away in free agency after the Nationals lack of pursuit and inability to lock the two in long-term deals.
Just last season, the Nationals ownership gave up on negotiations with star shortstop Trea Turner. Despite having another season of team control, the club traded Turner to the Los Angeles Dodgers in a deadline trade last July.
So it’s understandable if Nationals fans get uneasy about Wednesday’s news. It’s also the reason fans of other teams like Mitchell are eager for the 2024 winter to get here.
Losing Soto will be devastating enough for Nats fans. But to lose him to a division rival will be heartbreaking. It’s not unprecedented for the Nats either. Harper signed a 13-year old $330 million deal with another NL East rival, the Philadelphia Phillies in 2019.
