Nationals could bring back former slugger after strong year with Yankees

The Washington Nationals are out of contention at this point in the season, but they have taken some very important steps towards relevance again. They've had young stars such as CJ Abrams, James Wood, McKenzie Gore, and Dylan Crews emerge.

Manager Dave Martinez has said he expects the team to contend again soon, and Chris Kirschner of The Athletic believes Washington could reunite with an old friend.

"The Nationals' top three hitters in their lineup on Monday, shortstop CJ Abrams, right fielder Dylan Crews, and left fielder James Wood are all 23 or younger and represent the franchise's hope of bringing postseason baseball back to the nation's capital," Kirschner wrote. "They will need to supplement these prospects with established talent to reach their full potential. Enter former homegrown star Juan Soto."

If the Nationals were to bring back Soto after his strong season with the New York Yankees, then they would certainly be accelerating their plans to return to contention. In order to do that, they need proven talent on the roster.

Soto began his career with the Nationals back in 2018 and was a Rookie of the Year finalist. He also helped guide them to their first World Series title back in 2019.

Kirschner notes that there is no love lost between Soto and the Nationals, and if Washington can sell their former slugger on the young talent they have in the system, he may be more than happy to make a return home.

Soto is still quite young himself, and adding him to the team as a veteran leader to guide some of their young stars would give Washington a formidable lineup.

It will be interesting to see if they decide to pursue a reunion with Soto.

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