MLB insider weighs in on Washington Nationals’ chances of reuniting Juan Soto

Washington Nationals They’ve made their intentions clear for the upcoming offseason – they’re going to spend some money to upgrade their talented group of young guys.

There are several glaring needs that general manager Mike Rizzo will look to fill. Closer to the top, if not in first place, adds strength to the lineup.

The Nationals need a legitimate power threat after hitting just 135 home runs last season. It was only two more than last place Chicago White Sox from 133.

Washington was incredibly aggressive on the base routes last year. They led MLB with 223 stolen bases, but also led the league with 73 attempted steals caught; the second largest was Tampa Bay Rays from 53.

Adding a bopper to the middle of the order will reduce the need to be overly aggressive and face outs that can ruin the momentum and shorten the innings unnecessarily.

Luckily for the Nationals, there are several players who fit that profile. At the top of the market is one of their former players – Juan Soto.

He is set to become a free agent after an incredible 2024 campaign with New York Yankees where he teamed with Aaron Judge to become one of the most productive duos in baseball history. They are going to do everything in their power to bring him back as the focus will be on his pursuit of free agency until he signs a contract.

Washington has already demonstrated that it is willing to pay Soto big money. They reportedly offered him a 15-year deferment and $440 million before selling him to San Diego Padres.

It is certainly difficult to turn down a deal of this size, but in the end it was the right choice. He put himself in a position to take a contract that pays $50 million a year and could easily top $500 million in total.

How realistic is the chance that the Nationals will get him? They compiled a list of free agency candidates that Jim Bowden from Athletic are collected together, but they are closer to the bottom than to the top.

The former MLB executive ranked them 8th out of 10 teams he discussed.

“There could be no better scenario for Nationals president of baseball operations Mike Rizzo than to trade Soto to San Diego for a prospect package like Herschel Walker and then re-sign Soto two and a half years later.”

This package Bowden talks about is the foundation of a franchise emerging from a rebuild and returning to prominence. Shortstop C.J. Abrams was an All-Star in 2024, MacKenzie Gore showed potential as an ace at the top of the rotation, and left fielder James Wood made an immediate impact after being promoted in his Major League debut on July 1.

There’s a lot to like in the direction this franchise is heading. Adding a player of Soto’s caliber to the team could raise their floor and ceiling exponentially. After turning just 26 in October, he fits their schedule and opens the window for contention later this season.