“He set Juan Soto free knowing he wouldn’t sign an extension” - MLB analyst predicts Mark Rizzo will work his way back for the Yankees star

Whatever monumental heights Juan Soto reaches as a member of the Yankees this season, some big decisions inevitably remain. Although the 25 year-old's season in the Bronx has been nothing short of epic, his longterm plan remains anyone's look.

Shortly after they acquired Soto from the Padres in December, the Yankees signed him to a one-year deal worth $30 million. Now, with the season winding down, questions are beginning to intensify about Soto's future and which teams might have a stake in it.

In a recent appearance on MLB Network, former infielder Mark DeRosa put forth an interesting proposition. According to DeRosa, Juan Soto could turn his back on the Yankees altogether and return to where it all began.

"Juan Soto has a career-high 36 home runs (and counting) heading into free agency - but where will he sign? "If you love something, set it free. If it comes back to you, it's yours forever." @markdero7 proposes an interesting landing spot for Soto in free agency" - MLB Network

According to DeRosa, the Washington Nationals could make a serious run at re-acquiring Juan Soto. Soto played the first four-and-a-half seasons of his career with the Nats, winning a World Series and a pair of Silver Sluggers before his 2022 trade to the Padres.

DeRosa continued to comment on Nationals GM Mike Rizzo, saying “he set Juan Soto free knowing he wouldn’t sign an extension” before following up with:

"If you love something, set it free. If it comes back to you, it's yours forever."

DeRosa also reminded viewers that Soto was sent to the San Diego Padres in 2022 for an array of players like CJ Abrams and MacKenzie Gore. While Soto no longer remains with the Padres, the Nats have seen those young players develop and become integral parts of their ballclub.

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Juan Soto free agency set to be a major sweepstakes

As a member of the New York Yankees this season, Soto has hit .299/.430/.607, amassing a career-high 36 home runs in the process. Already a fan favorite in New York, many expect a draw for an extension to exist. However, as an unnamed AL executive told MLB.com's Mark Feinsand in May:

“There’s no chance, I think he ultimately signs back with the Yankees, but Scott takes his guys into free agency.”

The comment made reference to Soto's agent, Scott Boras. Known as one of the world's premier sports agents, declaring free agency is a tried and true method that Boras uses as leverage for his clients. Whichever team ends up submitting their offer, it is looking increasingly likely that the sum may be the largest ever seen in MLB.