The Juan Soto saga continues. The superstar outfielder reportedly turned down another massive offer from the Washington Nationals. According to Ken Rosenthal, the Nationals will now “entertain trading him” after he rejected their $440 million dollar extension offer. 

Nationals reporter Mark Zuckerman shared Juan Soto's take on the situation. 

Juan Soto just spoke with a few of us for a couple minutes in the clubhouse. Redirected any questions about today’s news to Scott Boras, but did acknowledge frustration that this is now out in the public. Stressed he has always kept contract negotiations private.

Zuckerman then shared what Soto directly said in reference to a potential trade.

“This is the team I’ve been with since 2015, and I feel good with it. I get to know the city well, and it feels great. Why should I need to change?”

Juan Soto publicly denied wanting a trade. But that doesn’t mean it won’t happen.

Washington wants to extend their superstar. But if they feel that a deal is out of reach, the rebuilding Nationals may opt to trade him now and maximize his value. They would potentially get one of the largest trade returns ever for the 23-year old star. 

Soto is in the midst of a down season… for his standards. The slugger is hitting under .250 but has posted an impressive OBP of over .400. He’s also clubbed 19 home runs and sports an OPS of just under .900.

Most players would dream for a season like the one Juan Soto is having. The fact that many consider this a down year speaks to his elite ability. 

For now, Soto will attempt to tune out the trade rumors and focus on the upcoming All-Star game and Home Run Derby. But it won’t be easy, as there is destined to be a whirlwind of rumors over the next couple of days.