Juan Soto's return to Nationals Park will show fans the past and future

Washington Nationals fans will get a look at the team's past and future next week when the New York Yankees travel to the nation's capital for the only time this season.

When the Yankees arrive for the three-game set beginning on Monday, it'll be All-Star outfielder Juan Soto's first time returning to Nationals Park since he was with the San Diego Padres last season. Although he only spent four-plus seasons with Washington, Soto is a franchise legend, making two All-Star teams, winning a Home Run Derby and two Silver Slugger awards and claiming a batting title with the club.

Most importantly, the 25-year-old helped lead the Nationals to their first World Series title in 2019.

Nats followers who want to forget about the past and look toward the future have been enjoying seeing rookie outfielder James Wood (acquired from the Padres as a top prospect in August 2022 in the Soto deal) get off to a hot start this summer. On Monday, Wood will be joined by another promising outfield prospect in 2023 second overall pick Dylan Crews.