Mets would be forced to trade this top prospect for Juan Soto

As much as the Mets may want to trade for Juan Soto, the Washington Nationals will make them pay up in a big way.

Trading for what some have termed the next Ted Williams is an opportunity that comes around only so often, especially when that player is just 23 years old.

Juan Soto is already one of the best players in all of baseball. Assuming he continues at this pace, or even improves slightly, he’ll be the face of the game for years to come. But how much is he worth on the open market?

In free agency, Soto would receive offers north of $500 million over the course of said contract, easy. Via trade, teams are weary of dumping their entire farm system for his rights.

The Mets have been connected to Soto, and would have to deal an immense amount of young talent for his services, especially because they played in the same division as the Nats.

Juan Soto trade rumors: Mets would have to give up Francisco Alvarez

New York’s first-round draft pick may have provided a hint into what they’re thinking in terms of Soto.

Alvarez is the team’s best prospect and ranks in the top-5 overall per MLB Pipeline. He’s a catcher by trade. Why, then, did New York select Kevin Parada early in the draft if he plays the same position?

Perhaps the front office was merely playing the best-player-available game, or they think Parada will trend towards first base or another position. But considering the rumors at play, it appears Alvarez could be trade bait down the line.

The Nats are likely to demand both Alvarez, Brett Baty and more when the time comes. As great as those prospect may become, Soto is a proven product, who is young and already a top-10 player in baseball.

If it comes down to it, trading Alvarez for Soto is a no-brainer.