In recent days, the Washington Nationals – Juan Soto All-Star flight saga has made lots of headlines.
It was revealed that the Nats didn’t pay for a private flight to Los Angeles for Soto for him to take part (and later win) the Home Run Derby.
He arrived in Los Angeles at 1:30 a.m., and then went on to win the competition.
ESPN analyst Buster Olney had stated earlier today that the Nationals should have provided the private flight for their star, but that his agent, Scott Boras, or Soto himself could have also secured a charter.
MLB insider Jon Heyman helped us all clarify the situation.
“Teams sometimes provide private travel to All-Star Game to players who by definition are performing at elite level but are not obligated to do so. Players can also pay for their own private travel. But agents are disallowed from paying as private travel is Obvs a gift over $500,” Heyman tweeted.
Teams sometimes provide private travel to All-Star Gane to players who by definition are performing at elite level but are not obligated to do so. Players can also pay for their own private travel. But agents are disallowed ftom paying as private travel is Obvs a gift over $500.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) July 21, 2022
Boras Couldn’t Do Much
With that, it’s clear that the issue is a player-team one: the agent, in this particular case, can’t do anything but mediate.
We don’t know enough details to conclude if there was a spat between Washington and Soto, and whether or not Boras had to mediate.
There has been ongoing discussions between player and team about a potential contract extension.
The situation between the two parties feels a little tense since Soto rejected a 15-year, $440 million offer last weekend.
The Nationals appear ready to dismiss the idea of an extension and make Soto available for trade.
They would ask for a haul and a half, though.
We will know more about Soto’s future in the upcoming days.
