Many players tried to sign contracts prior to the MLB lockout commencing in early December, but Juan Soto went a different route.
The Washington Nationals star turned down a 13-year, $350 million contract offer from the team, ESPN Deportes’ Enrique Rojas reported on Wednesday.
Soto confirmed to Rojas that he turned down an offer from the Nats. He says that he prefers to go year-to-year with his contract status and prepare for free agency. He also deferred contract matters to his agent, Scott Boras.
The deal would have paid Soto around $27 million per season through 2034. The amount of total money on the deal would have only been less than what Mike Trout and Mookie Betts earned in their extensions.
Apparently Soto and his advisors did not feel there was any immediate need to sign a deal.
The 23-year-old made his MLB debut as a 19-year-old in 2018 and batted .292 with a .923 OPS. He led the league with a .351 batting average in the shortened 2020 season. In 2021, Soto batted .313 with a league high 145 walks and .465 on-base percentage. He made his first All-Star team and finished second in NL MVP voting.
Whether it’s a $350 million deal or not, Soto is set for a huge contract whenever he does choose to sign for the long haul.
Photo: Jul 30, 2021; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Nationals left fielder Juan Soto (22) in the dugout before the game against the Chicago Cubs at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
