Juan Soto trade rumors have been the talk of baseball since it was reported the Washington Nationals would consider offers after he declined a 15-year, $440 million contract extension.
For as big of a star as Soto is, he much preferred for contract negotiations to remain private. His declining their offer was made public during 2022 All-Star Week Los Angeles.
The Nationals have a history of making blockbuster trades, as just last summer, the team dealt Max Scherzer and Trea Turner to the Los Angeles Dodgers for a package of prospects.
Turner, who not too long ago was in the same position as Soto, believes the 23-year-old is learning MLB has a business component to it, via Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic:
“It stinks for him,” Turner said. “But he learns every year. That’s the business side. Last year, I know he was really mad when everyone got traded. He learned that’s the business. I think he wants to play there, like he says he wants to play there. But I think he also understands he’s one of the best players to ever play the game, and at such a young age.”
With Soto still under team control for two and a half years, the Nationals will surely be seeking a historic haul in order to part with their young superstar.
A recent report indicated the Nationals are asking for a trade package that includes four to five young and talented players in exchange for Soto.
Gomes: Dodgers will be ‘opportunistic’ with potential Juan Soto trade
As speculation continues to run rampant leading up to the MLB trade deadline on Aug. 2, Dodgers general manager Brandon Gomes praised the organization’s farm system and said the team would be opportunistic with a potential trade for Soto.
Along with the Dodgers, the San Diego Padres, San Francisco Giants, New York Mets, New York Yankees and St. Louis Cardinals reportedly are among the teams that have held preliminary Soto trade talks with the Nationals.
Some view the Cardinals as the frontrunner to trade for the generational talent, while there have been reports the Mets and Yankees are against parting with the necessary prospects in a deal.
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