Looking at a potential St. Louis Cardinals trade for Juan Soto

MIAMI, FLORIDA - MAY 16: Juan Soto #22 of the Washington Nationals at bat against the Miami Marlins at loanDepot park on May 16, 2022 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FLORIDA - MAY 16: Juan Soto #22 of the Washington Nationals at bat against the Miami Marlins at loanDepot park on May 16, 2022 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
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WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 10: Juan Soto #22 of the Washington Nationals reacts after fouling out to end the eighth inning against the New York Mets at Nationals Park on May 10, 2022 in Washington, DC. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 10: Juan Soto #22 of the Washington Nationals reacts after fouling out to end the eighth inning against the New York Mets at Nationals Park on May 10, 2022 in Washington, DC. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images) /

Why the Nationals Would Trade Juan Soto

Although it may seem crazy, the writing has been on the wall for awhile now that the 23 year old Nationals superstar would be on another team by the time he is able to hit free agency.

Prior to the lockout, Soto rejected a 13 year, $350 million contract from the Nationals, and there has been little indication that the club and player would be reaching a deal anytime soon. $350 million seems like a more than fair contract for any player in the majors, but many expect Soto to be the first $500 million player in baseball history. And to this point, it looks like Washington is balking at a contract in that price range.

The Nationals know if they don’t give Soto a deal before he hits free agency, teams like the Yankees, Dodgers, Mets, or others will surely outbid them on the open market. The time is now to lock in their superstar.

If they are unable to reach an agreement soon, it is hard to blame the club for shopping him. Soto’s is at its height right now with years remaining of team control, and the longer they wait to deal him, if they are unable to sign him, the less leverage they have. Trading Soto now may give them the largest haul in MLB history.

The Washington Nationals are tail spinning into a long rebuild as well. Since winning the World Series in 2019, the club has been slowly losing their key talent, and now sits at 13-26 with an aging and expensive roster. The club has begun to retool their farm system, but are a ways off from being competitive anytime soon.

Trading a player like Soto could net the Nationals multiple blue chip prospects and a slew of other talent to replenish both the major league roster and farm system, jump starting the long rebuild ahead. Losing a generational player is a tough pill to shallow, but the club could benefit greatly from the deal.

Teams like the Dodgers, Padres, Yankees, Mets, White Sox, Tigers, Giants, and Cardinals would surely get into a bidding war come July for his talents, making this the prime opportunity for Washington.