10 MLB moves that still need to happen this winter

Washington Nationals: Extend Juan Soto

The Washington Nationals find themselves losing an MVP candidate for the second year in a row. Last year, it was Bryce Harper. This year, it’s Anthony Rendon. The only difference is that the Nats enter 2020 as the defending World Series champions.

It’s hard to feel as terrible about the loss of Rendon coming off the team’s miraculous run to the title, but it will be difficult to replace his production.

The Nats have been linked in trade talks to Kris Bryant and Nolan Arenado, but don’t appear eager to trade superstar-in-the-making Victor Robles. The 22-year-old was worth 4.1 bWAR in his first full MLB season and has the potential to become a 30-30 player. Paired with Juan Soto, the Nationals have two of the most exciting young outfielders in the game.

Speaking of Soto, with the Nationals likely unwilling to part with their best trade chip to land Arenado or Bryant and too close to the luxury tax to sign Josh Donaldson, their final big move for the winter should be extending the 21-year-old. Soto is the Nationals’ answer for Atlanta’s Ronald Acuna, and they need to make sure he’s locked in now.

Washington was unable to secure team-friendly extensions with Harper and Rendon, who are both represented by Scott Boras. It may be easier to bring Soto to the table and hammer out an extension now.

In his first two years in the big leagues, Soto has hit .287/.403/.535 with 56 home runs, 180 RBI and 17 stolen bases. He has been better than Harper was at this age.

Acuna’s eight-year, $100-million extension with the Braves should serve as a good starting point for the Nationals with Soto.

Locking him up now would make it easier for the Nationals to add another free-agent hitter a few years down the road when they have more financial flexibility.