The last few days have been very hard in the professional relationship between the Washington Nationals and their top star, Dominican Juan Soto who, in the midst of the problem, had the luxury of win the home run derby prior to the 2022 All-Star Game.
It all started over the weekend, after the Dominican outfielder’s rejection of the contract extension with the Nationals for the next 15 seasons in exchange for $440 million was announced. An amount that would make Soto the highest paid player in the Majors.
Thus, in the run-up to the All-Star Game, the Nationals retaliated. As revealed by Soto’s agent, Scott Boras, to the newspaper USATodaythe Nationals refused to pay him a charter flight to Los Angeles to participate in the Mid-Season Classic, and the Home Run Festival that he ultimately won.
According to the representative, the franchise’s attitude was “in reprimand” for not signing the new contract with them. Consequently, Soto had to take a commercial flight, arriving in Los Angeles early Monday morning, the day he won the event.
Juan Soto’s agent confirmed that the Washington Nationals “refused” to charter him a flight to the Home Run Derby, after he rejected their $440M contract extension.
Soto flew commercial, arrived in LA at 1:30 am, then won the Derby.
(via @usatoday) pic.twitter.com/BWiPZOaep8
— Front Office Sports (@FOS) July 20, 2022