MLB Rumors: Nationals Address Juan Soto Trade Talk

The rumor hit like a ton of bricks in the baseball world. Superstar Juan Soto could be on the move this season? The Washington Nationals will clearly be sellers this summer, as there's no second-half World Series run in this team. But they have definitely responded to the Soto trade talk, according to MLB Insider Jon Heyman. 

"That's not funny," was the response of a Nats insider. Meanwhile, Soto's agent Scott Boras—he of the plans to land his client the first $500M contract in baseball history—has also put the kibosh on the rumors: “Forget Soto trade … not happening.” 

On Wednesday, ESPN MLB Insider Buster Olney wrote that "the Nationals might well be compelled -- and motivated -- to move Soto this summer," and even named a couple of teams to keep an eye on. 

Soto has established himself as perhaps the best hitter in baseball, putting up extraordinary numbers in his three full seasons, while finishing Top 5 in MVP balloting twice. In 2021, he batted .313 with an MLB-leading .465 on-base percentage, as well as a .999 OPS.

It's still a situation to watch, as we know that Soto already turned down a $350M long-term extension from the Nats in the offseason, so it's understandable that the rebuilding team could feel "compelled" to get a massive haul before losing him to free agency in a couple of years. 

But for now, if Scott Boras is to be believed (????), Soto is staying put in DC.

Photo Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports