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.
Juan Soto was so mesmerized by the future Dodger chant that he didn’t realize the inning ended 👀😂pic.twitter.com/XeG85fTXyh
— Dodger Blue (@DodgerBlue1958) July 21, 2022
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.
Are you following Dodger Blue on Instagram? It’s the best way to see exclusive coverage from games and events, get your questions answered, and more!
