Nationals Renew Juan Soto's Contract for 2020 Season After Failing to Agree to New Deal
By Jerry Trotta
We have yet another case of a young emerging MLB superstar who isn't arbitration-eligible, rejecting a lowball contract offer from their franchise.
The Washington Nationals have reportedly renewed the contract of Juan Soto, setting the young slugger's salary for the 2020 season at $629,400. Washington, of course, has control over Soto, who isn't eligible for arbitration until after the 2021 campaign.
Nationals Renew Juan Soto's 2020 Contract https://t.co/l4NLzQWOG2 pic.twitter.com/F1jPe9HKEc
— MLB Trade Rumors (@mlbtraderumors) March 9, 2020
There's a silver lining to be had here for Soto, even if it's a modest one, in that the 21-year-old outfielder will get a raise from his 2019 salary of $578,300.
Still, Soto's salary being forced to be consistent with players who have a similar big league service time is a travesty in that almost zero of those players can replicate his production from a season ago. Last year, the Dominican Republic native slashed .287/.401/.548 with 34 home runs and 110 RBI.
Juan Soto's contract was renewed for $629,400. How can the Nationals do that? https://t.co/B7QeC3qMlt
— Post Sports (@PostSports) March 8, 2020
Those numbers don't even include Soto's unforgettable postseason hot streak. According to FanGraphs, the Nationals' stud has delivered close to $70 million worth of production.
Like so many players before him, Soto will just have to remain patient as he continues to bank a salary that doesn't even come close to justifying his superstar-level production.