Dodgers must look into Juan Soto after latest bombshell report

WASHINGTON, DC - MAY 25: Juan Soto #22 of the Washington Nationals runs back to the dug out during a baseball game against the Los Angeles Dodgers (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - MAY 25: Juan Soto #22 of the Washington Nationals runs back to the dug out during a baseball game against the Los Angeles Dodgers (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)

The Los Angeles Dodgers will always be mentioned whenever a disgruntled superstar is available on the trade market due to their financial bandwidth and desire to compete for championships in the near future. They have been given a gift from the heavens after the latest Juan Soto news drop.

The Washington Nationals star has reportedly rejected the club’s 15-year, $440 million contract. Even though he played a massive role in helping Washington win a championship in 2019, Soto appears to be a bit nervous about the short-term direction of this team.

Even though his batting average has slipped this season, Soto is leading the league in walks while reaching new heights with his power. Soto is still one of the best players in the league without question, making him the lone bright spot on a horrible Nationals squad.

The Dodgers are already positioned to contend for a championship without Soto. Still, a big three of the Washington sensation, Mookie Betts, and Freddie Freeman would be nearly unstoppable in the later months of the season. Soto is a considerable risk given the commitment, but the benefits far outweigh the negatives.

Can the Los Angeles Dodgers put together an offer for Juan Soto?

The Dodgers have already pulled off one big trade with the Nats, acquiring Trea Turner and Max Scherzer while sending top prospects like Keibert Ruiz and Josiah Gray to Washington. While Ruiz and Gray have had solid seasons so far, Turner is outclassing them both.

A 23-year-old outfielder at the peak of his powers with the best plate discipline in the league is a genuinely unprecedented trade target. Top 10 prospects like Michael Busch, Diego Cartaya, Ryan Pepiot, and a host of others would need to go to Washington alongside multiple proven MLB players.

According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, one GM said that Washington would need a “Herschel Walker deal” to move Soto. For those unaware, the Cowboys were able to build a 90s dynasty after getting an unprecedented haul of draft picks and players for Walker. This may be the biggest trade in MLB history, but the Dodgers may be crazy enough to do it.

Teams in New York and Chicago should be considered as potential Soto trade landing spots, as only the most valuable teams will even consider giving him a contract that exceeds $440 million. Aggression in trade talks will be key to beating teams like the Yankees or Mets to the punch.