The MLB offseason is underway and the sweepstakes have begun when it comes to superstar free agent outfielder Juan Soto. The list of teams linked as possible landing spots for Soto includes: Washington Nationals.

While the Nationals would love to figure out how to achieve a reunion with Soto, there are several teams interested in signing him.

Of course, there are two clear favorites to land Soto this summer. Both New York Yankees And New York Mets He is expected to have the best chance of signing the 26-year-old outfielder.

They are viewed as a possible contender when it comes to Washington, but are viewed as a second-tier team in pursuit of Soto.

Jake Mintz Yahoo! Sport I took a look at the teams that might sign Soto. He included the nationals among his top 10 potential suitors. This leaves the door of hope open.

“This will be a homecoming for the ages. Soto still has a rapport with the team that originally signed him and maintains a close relationship with Nats captain Davey Martinez. Washington’s payroll is currently under $100 million and they have an interesting young roster. Players who could benefit from moving around Soto, but it all seems too good to be true, and if Soto wants to win right away, DC might not be the place to do it.”

Frankly, the last part of Soto’s take on potentially signing with Washington is the biggest question.

Would Soto consider signing with a team where he won’t win the championship right away? He’s fresh off a World Series loss to the Yankees, which probably makes him want to compete now.

But if he’s willing to be patient, the Nationals could be a perfect fit. It may take another year, but by moving around him they can help the team become a serious threat in the National League.

As everyone knows, Soto enjoyed his first trip to Washington. This gives the franchise a chance to make a sales pitch. It seems unlikely they’ll take him down, but they’re also unlikely to be taken into account.

All this being said, the Soto sweepstakes is just getting started. The Nationals are definitely not the “favorite” to sign him, but they are certainly a contender.

At the end of the day, just being in the conversation gets Washington excited.