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Watch: Juan Soto Appears To Enjoy Chant From Dodgers Fans At 2022 MLB All-Star Game

Matthew Moreno
3 Min Read
Robert Hanashiro/USA TODAY Sports

In a stunning reversal just one month removed from comments made by general manager Mike Rizzo, the Washington Nationals now appear open to a Juan Soto trade after he reportedly rejected a 15-year, $440 million contract extension.

That became public leading up to the Home Run Derby and All-Star Game at Dodger Stadium, which Soto expressed his disappointment in during media availability with players participating in the 92nd Midsummer Classic.

It didn’t appear to impact him on the field, however, nor did the Nationals not chartering a flight for Soto, which is not required but some teams do arrange for their All-Stars. The 23-year-old nevertheless went on to win the Home Run Derby, ending Pete Alonso’s streak of titles.

The following night, Soto appeared off the bench for the National League team and was treated to a “future Dodger” chant from Los Angeles Dodgers fans sitting in the outfield pavilion. Soto flashed a grin at the fans before realizing the inning had ended and sprinting toward the dugout.

The Dodgers have been mentioned among the teams with the potential to complete a Soto trade with the Nationals. The Dodgers and Nationals aligned on a blockbuster last year that sent Max Scherzer and Trea Turner to L.A. at the trade deadline.

Who can Dodgers trade for Juan Soto?

While the Dodgers parted with heralded prospects Josiah Gray and Keibert Ruiz in order to trade for Scherzer and Turner, acquiring Soto would require a substantially larger haul.

Dependent on the Dodgers’ potential willingness to take on salary from the Nationals, they would likely need to assemble a trade package that includes several of Diego Cartaya, Bobby Miller, Miguel Vargas, Michael Busch, Ryan Pepiot or Andy Pages.

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Matthew Moreno is a journalist from Whittier, Calif., who is a credentialed reporter and is currently the Managing Editor of DodgerBlue.com and LakersNation.com. In addition to covering Los Angeles Dodgers and Los Angels Lakers, Matthew has a strong passion for keeping up to date with the sneakerhead culture. It began with Michael Jordan and Air Jordan shoes, and has carried over to Kobe Bryant's signature line with Nike. Matthew previously was the lead editor and digital strategist at Dodgers Nation, and the co-editor and lead writer at Reign of Troy, where he covered USC Trojans Football. Matthew graduated from California State Long Beach University with a major in journalism and minor in communications. Contact: matt@mediumlargela.com