The team is viewed by rivals as a potential frontrunner for the Nationals outfielder

According to The New York Post’s Jon Heyman and Joel Sherman, competing executives believe this team has emerged as a potential frontrunner to take over Juan Soto.

The Washington Nationals have a choice on August 2 – trade Juan Soto or keep him for the rest of the season? That decision comes after the team began considering trade offers after Soto turned down a $440 million, 15-year contract extension. Have seven teams Talks with the Nationals reportedly began via a Soto trade.

Apparently a favorite has emerged.

Jon Heyman and Joel Sherman from the New York Post reported in their latest article that rival executives see the St. Louis Cardinals as favorites to take over Soto.

Competitors believe Cardinals are potential frontrunners for Juan Soto

Heyman and Sherman mention that “some admirers” have been told that the Nationals have their eyes on a team or two, and the Cardinals are one of them. That, and they write: “There is [the Nationals] as are many of the Cardinals’ young players and prospects.”

Ken Rosenthal from the athlete reported on July 23 that the Nationals were is looking for four to five young players (a combination of prospects and big leagues with low service time) in exchange for Soto.

The Cardinals have one of the better farming systems in the major leagues, ranking 16th in the majors by MLB pipeline. Heyman and Sherman highlight Jordan Walker, pitcher Matthew Liberatore and shortstop Masyn Winn as top prospects and No. 7 overall in the league.

If St. Louis is able to win Soto in time, it would certainly give a boost to their NL Central race with the Milwaukee Brewers. Contract negotiations will of course cause concern for the team. But Soto won’t get a free hand until the end of the 2024 season.

With the trade close just over a week away, you may need to pay close attention to the cardinals regarding a Soto trade. But that all depends on whether the Nationals see potential offers as reasonable enough to get away from their star outfielder.