The Nationals have two options now that Juan Soto reportedly has turned down their 15-year, $440 million extension offer: trade him before the Aug. 2 deadline and replenish the farm system with what should be an unprecedented return of prospects, or make the most of their remaining time with him.
The first choice is tantalizing for baseball fans. Imagine Soto, the greatest young hitter since Ted Williams, spending the next three pennant races in a Dodgers outfield with Mookie Betts and Cody Bellinger and reuniting with his good buddy Trea Turner.