Juan Soto’s former team, the Washington Nationals, may target him in free agency this winter, according to a fresh report from a reputable MLB insider in fresh York.
The New York Yankees lead the American League East and have the best record in baseball going into today’s MLB games. Juan Soto has been the team’s MVP, but a number of players, notably Luis Gil and Anthony Volpe, deserve recognition for their strong start.
After being acquired in the offseason, the 26-year-old has exceeded their expectations and above their expectations. He has been a great addition to the team, but there is no assurance he will be around after this season. What will be a historic leap into MLB free agency after the season has only been strengthened by his outstanding performance on the biggest stage.
Juan Soto is anticipated to sign a contract worth almost half a billion dollars, and despite the high asking price, he is likely to attract a lot of interest, much like Shohei Ohtani did at the end of last year. Although the New York Mets and their wealthy owner, Steve Cohen, are anticipated to be strong challengers, the Yankees are the favorites to keep him.
However, late last week, New York Post MLB insider Joel Sherman mentioned three additional teams that could join the race, with one potentially surprising many baseball fans. In a recent column, he noted that the “Cubs and Blue Jays were interested in Ohtani, and I would imagine they would also aggressively pursue Soto given his age and impact.”
The inclusion of these teams is not particularly surprising. The Cubs are a wealthy franchise known for making substantial investments in top players. Meanwhile, the Blue Jays were reportedly close to securing a deal with Ohtani before the Dodgers made an irresistible offer. Additionally, if the Blue Jays trade Bo Bichette or Vladimir Guerrero Jr. before July 30, the funds intended for their re-signing could be redirected to Soto.
Will the Washington Nationals try to bring back Juan Soto?
However, Sherman also presented a compelling argument for Soto’s original team, the Nationals, to be a viable rival in the race for the soon-to-be four-time All-Star.
Is it possible that the Nationals will attempt to have their cake and eat it too? With talents like CJ Abrams and Mackenzie Gore, as well as outfielder James Wood, nearby, they are reaping the rewards of their trade of Soto to the Padres,” Sherman said. “Keibert Ruiz has $40 million left over for the next six years, and that is the only long-term money Washington has invested.”
Rumors that the Nationals will be sold are persistent. Would bringing Soto home make a bigger statement to the supporters, should it happen soon?
Juan Soto joined the Nationals for his first four and a half seasons in the league, and he was a key player in their sole World Series victory in 2019. A few years back, the team offered him a $450 million, 15-year contract, but he declined it, allegedly wanting to stay with the team.