It is not believed to be a sure thing that the Washington Nationals trade Juan Soto. Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Report: Nationals to keep star OF Juan Soto for rest of season if asking price not met

Monday is the eve of the MLB trade deadline. The Washington Nationals are reportedly unafraid to letting the Juan Soto sweepstakes go by this summer without any winners.

It was reported Friday that the Nationals were going to make one final contract extension offer to the two-time All-Star. According to MLB insider Hector Gomez's report, however, if Soto didn't accept the final offer, he would be traded by the deadline.

USA Today's Bob Nightengale also added Monday morning that while the Padres and Cardinals have been considered the front-runners for landing Soto, the Dodgers have been much more "aggressive" lately in their trade proposals.

Washington general manager Mike Rizzo said last week that the team was talking with "several teams" regarding the Home Run Derby champion's availability.

Soto has hit 20 home runs and recorded a league-leading 88 walks, while registering a .243/.403/.475 slash line across 341 at-bats this season.

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