Juan Soto reportedly turned down record contract from Washington Nationals

The Washington Nationals are doing everything they can to lock Juan Soto up to a long term extension. That may even include a record setting deal.

The Nationals were known to have made Soto an offer prior to the lockout – a 13 year deal worth $350 million. He turned that extension down, saying that he wanted to make certain that the Nationals were looking to build a contending ballclub before agreeing to a deal.

Washington Nationals willing to break the bank for Juan Soto

This does not mean that the Nationals are giving up. According to Bob Nightengale from USA Today, the Nationals increased their offer to Soto with an extension that was worth at least $400 million.

Such a contract would be a first. Mookie Betts’ $365 million extension is currently the record for the most money guaranteed in a new deal. Soto would be the first $400 million man, setting the bar for other young stars afterwards.

For his part, Soto has said that he is willing to stay in Washington. However, one has to imagine that not only does the money have to be right, but he has to be confident about the direction of the ballclub. With the Lerner’s reportedly looking to sell the team, that adds another element of uncertainty for Soto to navigate.

At the same time, locking Soto up to a long term deal could make the Nationals that much more attractive to any potential buyer. They would have their face of the franchise already in place, something that is not the case with other teams. Soto, along with a promising young core, make the Nationals an intriguing team going forward. But it is a matter of getting him to put the pen to the paper.

The Washington Nationals are reportedly willing to hand Juan Soto a record breaking contract. It is just a matter of reaching the right number.