Juan Soto is on a Hall-of-Fame trajectory right now. The 23-year-old outfielder has a strong case to be the National League MVP due to his incredible offensive production. The Washington Nationals have him under contract for three more seasons but there's no reason not to extend him as soon as possible.
Washington general manager Mike Rizzo said on MLB Network that the organization wants Soto to be on the team for a long time.
"Our mindset is that we'd like to make Juan Soto a long-term piece… he's the main cog in our developmental plan as an organization." – Mike Rizzo on Juan Soto@Nationals | #HighHeat | @MadDogUnleashed pic.twitter.com/365R3VpGA6
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) November 14, 2021
Rizzo's words make total sense but they feel empty without an actual contract in place. Spotrac projects Soto's next contract to be worth $500 million, an unprecedented amount for an extension. Although it is a very high amount, it would be very much worth it as long as Soto remains healthy.
Soto led the major leagues with an absurd 145 walks and a .465 on-base percentage while hitting 29 home runs and posting an OPS of .999 this season. He has received MVP votes in three of his four MLB seasons, winning two Silver Sluggers and becoming an All-Star in 2021. When it comes to paying this type of talent, you absolutely cannot beat around the bush. Rizzo and the Nationals trying to cut corners to extend their young superstar will likely come back to hurt them.
While the Nationals' front office may want to see what level they can get its team to before committing all that money, they need to reassure Soto that they plan to throw him the bag. He is the most important player in the franchise right now. Any effort from Washington to rebuild is fruitless without Soto. Time is currently on Washington's side, but they need to act before it isn't.
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