How much would a team give up for Juan Soto? Probably more than you think

One of the televisions in the Dodgers’ clubhouse Friday afternoon was tuned to MLB Network when Juan Soto appeared. It was time for another segment to discuss Soto’s future.“Where is he going?” a player asked when he looked up.It’s a fascinating question everyone in the industry began asking on July 16 when the stunning news surfaced: The Washington Nationals were open to trading Soto by the Aug. 2 deadline after he declined their 15-year, $440-million contract extension offer.But it’s not the only mystery surrounding the development. For the Nationals to trade Soto, they’ll have to thoroughly evaluate the market for a haul they could justify as adequate to bolster a rebuild. That might be impossible.Prices for players are subjective, but they are almost always guided by history. There are other examples to study and information to examine. They are the bumpers along the slick lane. Precedent doesn’t exist for Soto.He is arguably the most valuable asset available in a midseason trade in modern Major League Baseball history. The outfielder is already regarded as one of the best hitters — if not the best hitter — in the majors at just 23 years old. The historical comparisons at Soto’s age are…
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