According to reports, the Washington Nationals offered All-Star right fielder Juan Soto a 13-year, $350 million contract extension before the MLB lockout began Dec. 2. ESPN’s Enrique Rojas said Wednesday that Soto told him: “Yes, they made me the offer a couple of months ago, before the lockout we have in baseball. But right now, me and my agents think the best option is to go year after year and wait for free agency. My agent, Scott Boras, is in control of that situation.”

The Dominican Republic native has emerged as one of MLB’s best players since making his debut for Washington in May 2018.  Soto, 23, was the NL MVP runner-up last season. He hit .313/.465/.534 with 29 home runs in 151 games and ranked third with a .999 OPS to go along with it. He also recorded more walks (an MLB-best 145) than strikeouts (93).

Soto is arbitration-eligible through 2024 and can become a free agent ahead of the 2025 season. If he continues to produce at an MVP level, he could receive the richest deal in MLB history (which is currently held by the Los Angeles Angels’ Mike Trout with his 12-year, $426.5 million contract.)

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