Juan Soto is one of the best players in the MLB.
The Washington Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo knows it and that is why in early June he declared to not trade Soto. With the trade deadline just under two weeks away things are different now.
Soto rejected a major 15-year, $440 million contract. The Nationals look to be in the middle of a rebuild after letting Anthony Rendon go in free agency and Max Scherzer and Trea Turner were traded.
There could also be a potential change in ownership as well. With so much uncertainty staying long-term was a concern. Soto is one of the best pure hitters in the league. Since entering in 2018 he’s batted .293/.427/.541 with 118 home runs and leads the league in walks with 452.
With the deadline coming up on Aug. 2 here are the top five teams Soto could get traded to:
New York Yankees
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JULY 19: Aaron Judge #99 of the New York Yankees swings at a pi during the 92nd MLB All-Star Game presented by Mastercard at Dodger Stadium on July 19, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
With a record of 64-30 the Yankees are still No. 1 in the MLB. To add Soto to this team with a some home run hitters like Giancarlo Stanton and home run leader Aaron Judge would be a major upgrade for the Yankees.
New York Mets
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JULY 18: National League All-Star Pete Alonso #20 of the New York Mets competes in the 2022 T-Mobile Home Run Derby at Dodger Stadium on July 18, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
The Mets are second in the National League. With guys like Pete Alonso and Jeff McNeil in the lineup Soto could make it a lot scarier for opposing pitchers.
Los Angeles Dodgers
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JULY 21: Mookie Betts #50 of the Los Angeles Dodgers celebrates a three-run home run with Trea Turner #6 against the San Francisco Giants in the eighth inning at Dodger Stadium on July 21, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
The Dodgers are first in the National League and are looking to repeat what they did back in 2020. If they can trade for Soto and keep their core another world series could be in their future.
Seattle Mariners
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JULY 18: American League All-Star Julio Rodriguez #44 of the Seattle Mariners competes during the 2022 T-Mobile Home Run Derby at Dodger Stadium on July 18, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
From one of the worst teams to one of the hottest. Soto with the Mariners can take these guys to the postseason and possibly make some noise.
San Diego Padres
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JULY 18: Manny Machado #13 of the San Diego Padres looks on during the 2022 T-Mobile Home Run Derby at Dodger Stadium on July 18, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
With Manny Machado leading in every category for the Padres in batting Soto can come in and help Machado out a lot.
