Twenty-three-year-old star outfielder Juan Soto has reportedly refused the largest contract in MLB history, despite the great lengths the Washington Nationals went to keep him.
Soto declined his team’s 15-year $440 million contract offer, multiple sources reported Saturday. The deal would have made him the highest-paid player in terms of total compensation in the league’s history, according to Forbes.
The Nationals outfielder was reportedly unhappy that the news about his decision broke and appeared “somber” before reporters prior to his game against the Atlanta Braves Saturday.
“Juan Soto just talked with a few reporters here in D.C. Said he’s not happy this came out because, as he put it, he’s someone who likes to keep things private,” Washington Post and Nationals beat writer Jesse Dougherty reported. “Also said it’s uncomfortable going into the all-star break but he’ll deal with it. As somber as I’ve seen him.”
The young star’s rejection means the Nationals will reportedly consider trade offers for Soto as the team continues to struggle with the league’s worst record, currently sitting at 30-62. The trade rumors are surprising, considering the Nats’ General Manager Mike Rizzo told a Washington sports radio station in June that the team “made it clear to his agent and to the player” that Soto would not be traded.
After coming into the league at just 19 years old in 2018, Soto quickly proved his worth. The Dominican-born young star was instrumental in the Nationals’ first World Series championship in 2019, holding a .282 batting average during the season, and racking up 110 RBIs and 34 home runs.
Soto continued his dominance in a COVID-shortened 2020 campaign with a .351 batting average, becoming the youngest player to win the National League batting championship. The next season he finished in second place for the National League MVP behind Phillies right-fielder Bryce Harper.
Soto’s numbers this season have fallen behind his usual performance, but he continues to be one of the Nats’ only bright spots on a roster significantly depleted from its star power in 2019. A Soto trade would send shockwaves through the league, as the Nationals’ front office must decide what to do before the August 2 trade deadline.
“Front offices are already having the conversations: What is it going to take to acquire Juan Soto in the wake of him turning down a 15-year, $440 million contract offer from the Nationals?” ESPN’s Jeff Passan asked, adding, “And the answer is: The biggest trade package ever. ‘A Herschel Walker deal,’ one GM said.”