Before Juan Soto signs an extension with the Nationals, “the first thing that’s going to have to happen is that he knows that he’s working with an ownership that’s going to annually try to compete and win,” agent Scott Boras told The Washington Post’s Jesse Dougherty and other reporters. “And then I think once he knows that, then he’ll be ready to sit down and talk whenever they choose to talk.”
Soto’s time in D.C. has already produced one World Series title, of course, and the Nationals have been one of the league’s better terms over the last decade, as president of baseball operations Mike Rizzo noted to Dougherty and company. That said, the Nats have also finished in last place in both seasons since that 2019 championship, and traded away a significant amount of veteran talent at the last trade deadline. It seems like the team will reload to some extent this offseason, but it is unclear whether or not the Nationals will make a full-on plunge to try and compete as soon as 2022.
Rizzo did make some indication towards a bigger push this winter, as when asked if he would like to see Kyle Schwarber back in Washington, Rizzo responded with “Why wouldn’t we? I love him.” (hat tip to Pete Abraham of The Boston Globe) After being non-tendered by the Cubs last winter, Schwarber signed in D.C. for a one-year deal worth $10MM in guaranteed money, but his price tag for a return will be much steeper after his huge bounce-back season. Bringing Schwarber back would be a clear sign of the Nationals’ intent to contend, and he would also give Soto some much-needed lineup protection.
Even amidst the team’s struggles in 2021, Soto continued to make his case as arguably the game’s best hitter. Soto hit .313/.465/.534 with 29 home runs over 654 plate appearances, and has now produced four all-world seasons before his 23rd birthday. Given Soto’s youth and his already-incredible production, it is very easy to imagine that a Soto extension would be the most expensive contract in baseball history.
Soto is projected to earn $16.2MM in his second year of arbitration eligibility, a massive raise commensurate with his continued great numbers. Though Soto is still under arbitration control through 2024 as a Super Two player, “we’re not in the mind-set where we got him under control for three more years and have three years to wait. That’s not our view,” Rizzo said. The Nationals might not immediately jump into deep extension talks, however, as Rizzo said the club will wait until after the new collective bargaining agreement is settled “just to see what the rules are” for baseball’s business going forward.
In the more immediate future, Rizzo is focused on making another change to the Nats’ front office. In another piece from Dougherty, Rizzo said the team is going to hire a new director of player development, and candidates from both within and outside the organization will be considered. Assistant GM Mark Scialabba had been in charge of player development but will now move to the player personnel division, while former baseball ops coordinator John Wulf has been promoted to assistant director of player development.
Boras’s translation: “if you want to sign Soto, you better take three of my other clients at top dollar, also”
Soto will not sign an extension this offseason. He will see if they improve and maybe make a decision next offseason.
I honestly don’t see Soto signing an extension period unless it only covers the years he’s controllable through arbitration. The only other way is if DC offers him well over $400M on an extension that doesn’t even really kick in until 2025. My guess is Soto sees himself with a $400+M contract after all his arb seasons are over so that plus whatever he should make over the next 3 seasons would have to be the starting point. Maybe 13-years $460M. He might even want to push it to 14-years $500M just so he can have the most years and the most money. I’m not sure I would want to stay in DC if I were him. That Corbin contract is really hurting their payroll for the next couple years and the Strasburg contract is even worse and lasts the next 5 years. Paying those 2 guys $70M a year on top of whatever they would have to pay Soto doesn’t leave a ton of payroll to fill out the other 23 roster spots.
The Soto camp would very well be justified in filling out their own contract and handing it back to the Nationals to sign off on. That’s a talent you make sure that you don’t lose.
God, Juan Soto is a monster. He’s gonna make racks
There have been 24 times in major league history a player has drawn at least 145 walks in a single season (the amount Soto had in 2021). The only other player to do that before their age-25 season was Ted Williams, who did it twice in 1941 and 1942. Before Soto did it in 2021, the last player to do it was Barry Bonds in 2004.
He is The Man at the plate. His ABs are quite interesting to watch.
They better not mess this up, he’s probably going to be the best player in our franchise’s history
Or most any franchise’s history.
What do you think was running through Boras’ head when he saw the video of Soto slipping on the ice playing Slapshot as his arm bent back awkwardly?
Soto is the kind of player that should make Met fans and Cohen drool. Could get a contract 12/500.
The problem with this whole “the player needs assurance that the team is committed to winning” thing is the team can tell you whatever you want to hear to put pen to paper.
That said, the Nationals have been spent fairly consistently over the years so i don’t really see why that would be an issue
I feel bad for the Nats. Soto is going to play a few more elite years for last place teams and then they’ll see one of the greatest hitter of our generation dip in free agency. LOL
“I feel bad for the Nats. Soto is going to play a few more elite years for last place teams and then they’ll see one of the greatest hitter of our generation dip in free agency. LOL” – MetsFan22
“Trevor Story is accepting the QO.” – FormerlyCubsWin108
Sorry everyone. I’m the one that dropped the ball here. I’m MetsFan22’s state appointed big brother. He snuck out of his cage I keep him in.
Just stupid to even compare the Mets to the Nationals. The Nationals actually had a dynasty that lasted for the better part of a decade. They actually have the more recent championships. They have done the better job of scouting and development. The Nationals are actually a good representation of a strong organization. Your Mets still look like a clown show. I actually think Cohen will figure it out but you still have to prove it and the Mets haven’t so I just can’t see how you think you should open your mouth.
There’s no way Soto gets traded to the Mets.
He’ll Be A MET In 2025
Really?! Will they a GM by then? Ahahahaha!
Yankmee fans said the same about Stras and Harper …
how did that end up
Respect for this organization. I know the Mets are supposed to be the Braves historic rivalry but I think that has passed now. I would say it’s more between the Braves and Nationals or maybe the Phillies. The Nationals are a well run organization that has developed some amazing talents that we see in the majors now.
They sustained a prolonged competitive window that brought a World Series championship, a couple pennants and several division titles. It won’t surprise me if the Nationals only need one or two seasons to reload for another championship run.
The Mets were the rival of the Expos, largely due to Proximity to Canada When the Nats emerged in RFK most were looking at the Phillies as the Nats natural rival for the same reasons [and the obnoxiousness of Philly fans]. But for me it was ALWAYS the Braves that were the real rivalry for the Nats. Within three years that view was borne out as the lady horses imploded under the weight of their bloated Payroll.
Now going into the 17th season. I still believe the deepest rivalry for this team is still the Atlanta restless Natives… And I do believe they are going down, especially if Freeman leaves via Free Agency….
Hmmm don’t we need an everyday 1st baseman?
FA Fantasy 2 Marquee signings Freeman and Shwarbs
Save the rest for the Soto negotiations and pull in a supporting staff with good field fundamentals and plate approach. Lane Thomas should be in Center with plenty of upside
The Mets and Braves were rivals. The competition between Chipper Jones and David Wright was the heart of it. It got a lot of air time. Maybe the Mets and Expose were competing for finances, but the on field rivalry belonged to the Mets and Braves. The Braves and Nationals rivalry is a development of the recent decade. The Braves and Mets is the historic rivalry for the Braves.
For me personally, the Braves greatest rivalry is definitely the Nationals. As for your analysis of Freeman, I disagree. The Braves did what they did without Acuna so the production won’t destroy them. The Braves have also established a culture that can survive after Freeman.
As for the Nationals, they have bigger challenges than the Braves have, right now. They have a lot of deferred cash they have to work around and Strasburg could be a problem for a long time. I’d be concerned at how that contract plays out when the first two seasons were pretty much wasted.
No 1st Baseman? You ready to drop kick Josh Bell?
It sounds like he’s in a kicking mood doesn’t it Papa. Personally I think all the speculation is a year or two too early. The decision to build around Soto was made and the farm restock phase one was IMMO a success. This tears draft (the first picking this high since The back to back 1 picks] is the real key. Rounds 3-10 will be the key to beefing up the mid levels of the farm.
I think Lane Thomas will be an asset on both sides of the ball Josh Rogers was pretty Solid in his debut stint with the Nats and Josiah Gray has some late movement that could make him very hard to square up.
As for Bell, he acquitted himself well last season after being in the legion of struggling during the COVID season. But what I am curious about is if Rizzo makes a real push for Shwarbs given the two are familiar with each other. I have to believe Rizzo is conscious Soto’s attention to this offseason moves.
This is where not signing Harper to a mega extension pays off. If WAS had his $360M behemoth on the books there would literally be no chance they could retain Soto. And to a lesser degree they positioned themselves perfectly by not retaining Rendon either.
What’s the excuse when Soto doesn’t sign an extension then? He’s a Boras’ client, they usually test the FA market
If you enjoy theatre, then it will be a great show to watch Boras, Soto, and the Lerner’s play their roles. over the next 18 months (till end of next year’s off-season).
Of course, Soto would prefer $400+ million and a winning team over the same money and a team destined to lose. But who are the teams DESTINED not to win:: Orioles, Pittsburg, Detroit and a handful of other small market teams.. None of the NL East teams are in that category nor about another 12-15 teams. So, if Soto goes to free agency, half the league will probably be in pursuit of him. and will be able to make the case that they are or could be winners.
So, at this point, this is Boras teasing the market….creating positive noise….and seeing if he can coax the Lerner’s into a pre-emptive $500+ million offer. That’s crazy money, but everyone in DC would like to see it happen and Boras is playing this perfectly.
How do you rate this guy with the glove? I mean bonds was a great fielder and hitter while in Pittsburgh but heading to the giants he look like a liability. Soto looks sluggish to me when he plays outfield. If the dh does come around in the nl that’s how I see him as. He’s a great bat and tremendous good eye to draw walks.
His defense was never elite, but it was above average. However it has been on the decline. He’s still average or slightly above, but just like Harper, I’m sure he suddenly won’t go max effort on defense the closer he is to being a FA.
Remember how awful Harper was defensively his last couple of years with the Nats? then he gets a big contract with the Phills and his defensive prowess returned.
He was awful with the glove when he first broke in. He has worked hard defensively, since that point. He is about league average, not a gold glover by any means, but not necessarily a liability, at this point, either.
5 years 150 mil. Buy out 2 free agent years… he will hit free agency at 28 years old. if owners are determined with this 29.5 years of age free agency, he might want to extend now.
I’d trade Soto, seriously I know it sounds crazy but that’s the move that helps Washington win. Now being on the shorthand best hitters in the game and under 23 I’m asking for a ransom because I could keep him. I need an Ace, serviceable mlb outfielder and two high level prospects. This team can’t hit, it needs an Ace to replace Scherzer, get an average outfielder and see if ya can hit on the two prospects…
I’m a Nats fan and I’ve said the same. Love Juan Soto and it’s a privilege to watch him play. But, I don’t know how Rizzo builds a consistent wining team with Soto’s potential monster contract (on top of Strasburg). Trading him next winter could bring a haul of talent, just in time for the Nats rebuild/prospects to start kicking into gear.