Juan Soto is the talk of the town at MLB All-Star week amid the superstar’s sudden availability. But the 23-year-old isn’t thrilled about it.
Just hours before competing in the 2022 Home Run Derby in Los Angeles on Monday, Soto shared his thoughts on the Washington Nationals’ decision to entertain trade offers for their star outfielder, admitting the move came as a surprise.
“A couple weeks ago, they were saying they will never trade me,” Soto said. “And now all these things come out. It feels really uncomfortable, you don’t know what to trust but at the end of the day it’s out of my hands of what decision they make.”
Several weeks ago, Washington hoped to lock down their franchise cornerstone for the long-term future, offering Soto a whopping 15-year, $440 million extension. However, Soto’s rejection of the deal ultimately left the Nationals with no other choice but to explore possible suitors for the outfielder.
A possible landing spot for Soto is New York, with the Mets and Yankees both exploring a trade for him before the Aug. 2 MLB trade deadlines. As for Soto, it sounds as though he would fare just fine in the Big Apple.
“Playing in New York against the Mets, I love it,” Soto said. “I love to play against them and hit the ball far. If you’ve seen my numbers at that field, it’s amazing.”
In just 30 games played at Citi Field, Soto has blasted 10 home runs, 23 RBIs, and 36 hits while boasting a .350 batting average, according to Statmuse. Pete Alonso – who will be facing off against Soto in the Home Run Derby and has often had a front-row seat to his theatrics – can concur.
“He’s an excellent competitor,” Alonso said of Soto. “I like him personally, but competing against him, it’s not enjoyable because typically he’s doing what Juan does.”
.