Washington Nationals: Juan Soto Turned Down A 13 Year, $350 Million Extension (2024)

The 13-year, $350 million dollar offer that the Washington Nationals offered Juan Soto was most likely the first of many contract offers to gauge the level of interest of Soto. In terms of the Nationals, they were trying to get a long-term deal done early in hopes of making sure Soto is around for the long-term like the Atlanta Braves did by signing Ronald Acuna Jr. and Ozzie Albies to long-term contracts well before they hit the free-agent market.

What better way to send a message to the entire Nationals fanbase than to say that they are committed to one of the best young players in Major League Baseball before he has a chance to break all kinds of contract records when he is eligible to sign with any team? Washington Nationals General Manager Mike Rizzo is already has proven that he’s willing to play Soto more money than Bryce Harper was offered before he became a free agent and eventually signed with the Philadelphia Phillies.

— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) February 16, 2022

At the end of the day, Juan Soto will hold back on signing a contract extension because it’s possible that the first $500 million dollar contract will be signed. That type of contract would take Major League Baseball to a new level when it comes to free-agent contract negotiations. It doesn’t hurt that power agent, Scott Boras is Soto’s agent.

Nats $350M, 13-year offer to Juan Soto didn’t even give him pause. Belief is he’ll be shooting to be close or above MLB high AAV (currently his ex-Nats teammate Max Scherzer’s $43M), which would put $500M total in range. @Enrique_Rojas1 1st with offer

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) February 17, 2022

Most Boras clients wait until they are free agents to test the market to see how much they can get. The last National to sign an extension before hitting free agency was pitcher Stephen Strasburg.

We all know that this is a business, but let’s hope the next contract that the Nationals offer Soto will be at least $400 million. Eventually, they might try to offer $500 million and see what Soto says. If the offer is still rejected at $500 million, then the Nationals would be able to determine if they should trade him so they could get something for him instead of letting him walk without getting anything for him.

Next. Don’t Be Surprised By Juan Soto Turning Down $350 Million. dark

As an avid baseball enthusiast with an in-depth understanding of the intricacies of Major League Baseball (MLB) contracts and negotiations, I bring a wealth of knowledge to shed light on the Washington Nationals' bold move in offering Juan Soto a groundbreaking 13-year, $350 million contract. My expertise is underscored by a keen awareness of historical precedents, player-agent dynamics, and the broader landscape of MLB contract negotiations.

The Washington Nationals' offer to Juan Soto is a strategic move, reflective of a trend seen with other teams, such as the Atlanta Braves signing Ronald Acuna Jr. and Ozzie Albies to long-term contracts early in their careers. This tactic aims to secure the services of a promising player like Soto for the long term, sending a strong message to the fanbase about the team's commitment to building a competitive roster.

Mike Rizzo, the General Manager of the Nationals, has already demonstrated a willingness to invest in talent, surpassing previous contract offers, such as the one made to Bryce Harper. This not only showcases the team's financial commitment but also sets a precedent for valuing players like Soto.

Juan Soto's rejection of the initial 13-year, $350 million offer could be attributed to the anticipation of a paradigm shift in MLB contracts. With the possibility of a $500 million contract on the horizon, Soto, represented by the influential agent Scott Boras, is poised to explore the potential of setting a new benchmark for player compensation.

The influence of Scott Boras, known for maximizing contracts for his clients, adds another layer to Soto's decision-making process. Boras clients often wait until free agency to test the market, and the negotiation strategy becomes a crucial aspect in determining the player's market value.

The article speculates that Soto might be aiming for a contract close to or above the MLB's highest Average Annual Value (AAV), currently held by Max Scherzer at $43 million. This could potentially push the total value of Soto's next contract to the coveted $500 million range.

The mention of Stephen Strasburg, the last National to sign an extension before hitting free agency, provides context to the rarity of such decisions. As negotiations unfold, the Nationals face the challenge of determining the right balance between a lucrative offer and the risk of losing Soto without compensation.

In conclusion, my comprehensive knowledge of MLB contracts, team strategies, and player-agent dynamics positions me to provide valuable insights into the intricacies of Juan Soto's contract negotiations with the Washington Nationals.

Washington Nationals: Juan Soto Turned Down A 13 Year, $350 Million Extension (2024)

FAQs

Washington Nationals: Juan Soto Turned Down A 13 Year, $350 Million Extension? ›

Soto declined the offer. "Yes, they made me the offer a couple of months ago, before the lockout we have in baseball," Soto told Rojas. "But right now, me and my agents think the best option is to go year after year and wait for free agency. My agent, Scott Boras, is in control of that situation."

How much did the Washington Nationals offer Soto for his contract? ›

Soto's take on contract extension talks

That won't prevent the Yankees from trying to engage in talks of an extension, knowing Soto turned down a $440 million contract in mid-2022 by the Washington Nationals (albeit with a $29.33 million annual average salary).

How much will Juan Soto make in 2024? ›

Soto sets arbitration record

The New York Post reports the Yankees and Soto have agreed to a $31.5 million salary for 2024, topping Ohtani's $30 million salary from last season. Here are the largest ever arbitration salaries: Juan Soto, 2024 Yankees: $31.5 million. Shohei Ohtani, 2023 Angels: $30 million.

What did Washington get for Soto? ›

The Padres traded first baseman Luke Voit, left-hander MacKenzie Gore, shortstop C.J. Abrams, outfielder Robert Hassell III, outfielder James Wood and right-hander Jarlin Susana for Soto. A year later, Abrams is Washington's starting shortstop, hitting . 264 with 16 stolen bases.

When can Juan Soto be a free agent? ›

New York Yankees outfielder Juan Soto will become a free agent at the end of the 2024 MLB season, and he was expected to sign a fairly lucrative contract since his salary arbitration years, which could even go up in value after the signing of Shohei Ohtani.

What is Juan Soto's current salary? ›

Current Contract

Juan Soto signed a 1 year / $31,000,000 contract with the New York Yankees, including $31,000,000 guaranteed, and an annual average salary of $31,000,000. In 2024, Soto will earn a base salary of $31,000,000, while carrying a total salary of $31,000,000.

What player turned down 440 million? ›

News that Washington Nationals outfielder Juan Soto turned down the team's 15-year, $440 million offer, which would have been the largest contract in MLB history, continues to make waves around the league.

Who makes the most money on the Yankees? ›

Aaron Judge sets pace for top salaries in 2024. All rise! New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge is the highest-paid position player for the second straight year at $40 million.

Does Juan Soto have a ring? ›

At 25 years old, Soto is, indeed, a generational talent. Already on a Hall of Fame track, he has a World Series ring, four Silver Sluggers, three All-Star nods and a . 946 OPS for his six-year career.

Does Soto have a ring? ›

Juan Soto has won 1 championship in his career.

Jr.

Why did Padres trade Juan Soto? ›

Trading a player like Soto wasn't an easy decision for the front office, but it was necessary for them to start building toward the future. After going all-in over the last few years, the Padres' had financial issues, and this is a way to help reset things.

What did the Padres give for Juan Soto? ›

San Diego sent a bevy of promising prospects to Washington — including shortstop CJ Abrams and starting pitcher MacKenzie Gore — for Soto and first baseman Josh Bell. The Padres said the deal was worth it because they'd have Soto for three playoff runs.

How did Yankees get Juan Soto? ›

New York acquired Soto and Gold Glove center fielder Trent Grisham in a blockbuster trade with the cost-cutting Padres on Wednesday night. San Diego received right-handed pitchers Michael King, Jhony Brito, Randy Vásquez and Drew Thorpe along with catcher Kyle Higashioka.

Who will be an MLB free agent in 2025? ›

2025 MLB Free Agents
Player (48)Pos.Age
Harrison BaderCF29.8
Manuel MargotRF30.1
Jason HeywardRF/ CF34.7
Alex VerdugoLF27.9
40 more rows

Who will Juan Soto play for in 2024? ›

Juan Soto, a former San Diego Padres star, will wear New York Yankees pinstripes in 2024.

How long will Soto be a Yankee? ›

The Yankees will pair Soto with fellow superstar Aaron Judge in hopes of revitalizing a lineup that often looked listless amid an 82-win, playoff-less season last year. But only the 2024 season is promised. After it ends, Soto will venture into the free agent market, potentially on the move once more.

What was Juan Soto's final offer to the Nationals? ›

Washington general manager Mike Rizzo set a lofty asking price last month after reports emerged that Soto turned down the team's latest contract offer of $440 million over 15 years. Soto remains under team control for two more seasons after this one, which made it no sure thing the Nationals would trade him now.

How much was Soto offered? ›

What they wanted, though, was for Soto to physically hold their best offer, to see the number — $440 million for 15 years — right in front of him. If he took it, he'd be a National for life, an icon for the franchise. There'd eventually be a Soto statue outside of Nationals Park.

What players did the Nationals get for Juan Soto? ›

The Nationals received 2019 first-round infielder C.J. Abrams, 2017 No. 3 pick MacKenzie Gore, 2020 first-round outfielder Robert Hassell III, minor league outfield standout James Wood and 2022 international signee RHP Jarlin Susana. It takes years for prospect-laden trades of this magnitude to be properly measured.

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