Juan Soto Rumors: Yankees star could be courted by Washington Nationals in free agency

Whether or not he wins the 2024 AL MVP award, the New York Yankees will have their hands full with re-signing Juan Soto. Rumors abound that it might cost them $500 million and that more than a few squads will be heavily involved in the courting of the superstar outfielder.

The rumors and his on-field performance initially prompted the Yankees to extend him before the season's end. That's something they never do and something agent Scott Boras typically doesn't engage in for his clients.

Nevertheless, the latest rumor is that one of Soto's former clubs will be part of the frenzy: the Washington Nationals. MLB reporter Joel Sherman said via the New York Post that they could be a surprise team in play:

“They are getting the benefits of their return from trading Soto to the Padres with players such as CJ Abrams and Mackenzie Gore plus, among others, outfielder James Wood, not far away."

Washington's Keibert Ruiz has six years and $40 million left, making him the only money they've committed long-term. The Nationals traded Soto in 2022. The San Diego Padres had Soto for a year and a half before they traded him to the New York Yankees this past offseason.

Several teams expected to be in the mix for Juan Soto

Aside from the New York Yankees, who will likely have to be very aggressive, Juan Soto figures to have a whole lot of suitors. Sherman mentioned the Nationals as a dark horse, but they're far from the only ones.

The Chicago Cubs and Toronto Blue Jays were also mentioned, especially if the latter sheds players at the deadline and frees up cap space. The New York Mets have long been linked to the outfielder.

There will also be plenty of surprise teams that make a play and others who come into the picture later. At least five teams are known to be linked with Soto's free agency, and that number is likely to continue growing.