(Audacy) If the Washington Nationals end up trading star outfielder Juan Soto, they'll likely get an unprecedented haul in return.
With that in mind, NBC Sports Chicago analyst Ozzie Guillen is advising the White Sox to stay out of the sweepstakes.
With contract negotiations at an impasse right now between Soto and the Nationals, Washington is reportedly willing to listen to trade offers. Soto is one of the best hitters in the game and under team control through the 2024 season, so any return going to the Nationals will have to feature a collection of high-end prospects and proven big leaguers.
The cost will be prohibitive for some teams. And for that reason and others, Guillen explained on the Mully & Haugh Show on Thursday morning why he thinks the White Sox will stay out of the Soto sweepstakes.
“No chance," Guillen said. "First of all, they’re going to ask you for so many good players. I’d say ‘Well give me (Michael) Kopech, give me (Dylan) Cease and (Andrew) Vaughn and you can have him. That’s half of the team. And besides that, I don’t think Jerry (Reinsdorf) got enough money to pay. Remember, Scott Boras is representing (Soto), there’s not a good relationship between him and Scott Boras.
“To be honest with you, I’m very glad these kids are making so much money right now, I love it. But I’m not the type of guy to spend that much money for one player for so many years. And Juan Soto has been hurt each year a little bit, and I worry about that. I know he’s 22, 23 years-old, but it’s going to take a lot of money and a lot of players to bring him to the table.”
After a slow start, Soto -- who won the Home Run Derby on Monday -- is hitting .250 with 20 homers, 43 RBIs, a .901 OPS and an MLB-leading 79 walks.
The MLB trade deadline Aug. 2, so if the Nationals are going to move Soto, it’ll need to happen soon, otherwise the chatter will continue into the offseason.
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