What would the Nationals' batting lineup look like at the top if they manage to get Juan Soto? ft. CJ Abrams, James Wood, and Dylan Crews

Just two seasons ago, Juan Soto was the premiere player in the Washington Nationals' lineup. He was somebody the club was trying to lock down for the future, but the two sides couldn't come to an agreement.

He was then traded to the San Diego Padres in the middle of the 2022 season. He would stay there for a season and a half before being traded to the New York Yankees.

Now a free agent, Soto could return to the place that gave him his professional opportunity. In doing so, they would have an exciting lineup that could look something like this below.

1. CJ Abrams
2. Juan Soto
3. James Wood
4. Luis Garcia
5. Dylan Crews
6. Juan Yepez
7. Keibert Ruiz
8. Jose Tena
9. Jacob Young

That would be a lineup that could make some noise in the ultra-competitive National League East division. This could be a lineup that immediately gives them a boost.

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Are the Nationals targeting Juan Soto?

Washington Nationals' FA Option - J. Soto (Photo via IMAGN)

Juan Soto is undeniably the hottest free agent this offseason. He's coming off a season with the Yankees, where he hit a career-high 42 home runs and was one RBI shy of tying his career-high in 2019.

Soto has been talking to teams since the offseason got underway. However, the Nationals aren't a team that seems to be hot on the slugger's trail. There's no indication that the two sides have even spoken, which is not a great sign.

The four-time All-Star has met a handful of teams, including the Los Angeles Dodgers and the New York Mets. He also has some contract offers on the table, leaving Washington to play catchup.

If they want a reunion with their All-Star outfielder, Washington will have to get on it soon. Soto may not last much longer.