A trade for Juan Soto will likely cost any interested team an arm and a leg, but the Washington Nationals are now looking to give up a left arm of their own in return.
If a deal were to go through for Soto, the Nats would likely require their trade partner to take over starting pitcher Patrick Corbin’s bloated contract, in addition to “several big leagues and top prospects,” according to The Athletic’s Jim Bowden.
Corbin signed a six-year, $140 million deal with Washington in December 2018 but has barely fulfilled the massive deal. Over 94 starts for the Nationals, the lefty is 29-42 with a 4.73 ERA and 1.42 WHIP. He has actively boasted the title of worst starting pitcher in MLB since the start of the 2021 season and has owned a 5.84 ERA in 50 appearances during that span.
Patrick Corbin signed a six-year, $140 million deal with Washington in December 2018 but has barely fulfilled the massive deal. Getty
Juan Soto turned down a 15-year, $440 million extension last week. Getty
The 33-year-old has two-and-a-half years left on his contract, which Spotrac says is set to reach a whopping $35.4 million in salary in 2024.
Given Corbin’s lackluster play and exorbitant asking price, it’s no wonder the Nationals are hoping to sack the struggling veteran. In exchange for another team picking up some or all of the pitcher’s remaining salary, Washington would likely have to settle for a Soto deal with fewer players and prospects.
The Nats’ latest requirement adds another hurdle for teams interested in Soto, who turned down a $440 million 15-year extension last week. In addition to acquiring Corbin’s less-than-desirable contract, the suitor would have to offer Soto an extension that could cost up to $500 million and take away many of his best prospects.
With less than two weeks until the August 2nd close, it remains to be seen if a club will adopt all of this.