On Saturday, Washington Nationals star Juan Soto reportedly turned down a $440 million contract that would’ve marked the largest deal in MLB history.
Fans from around the MLB world were puzzled by Soto’s decision to turn down this massive 15-year contract.
MLB Network insider Jon Heyman attempted to explain why Soto and his representation made this choice.
“1. Heavy backloading of deal is tantamount to big deferral 2. $29M AAV is seen as old figure in light of Scherzer, other deals 3. Team is likely to be sold so owner unknown,” Heyman wrote on Twitter.
With the 15-year length on this offer, Soto would’ve averaged around $29.3 million in salary each year. That figure would’ve ranked 15th among MLB salaries in 2022. Earlier this year, Mets ace Max Scherzer signed a three-year deal worth $130 million — averaging $43.3 million per year.
Last month, Heyman reported that the Nationals are “almost sure” to change ownership sometime in the near future — adding more uncertainty to Soto’s future in Washington.
Now that Soto has turned down this offer, the Nationals are reportedly willing to listen to trade offers for the 23-year-old All Star.