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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nationals-news-nationals-acquiring-nathaniel-lowe-trade-with-rangers');   ga('set', 'title', 'Nationals acquiring Nathaniel Lowe in trade with Rangers');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Nationals-news-Washington-acquiring-Nathaniel-Lowe-in-trade-with-Rangers.jpg"></figure><h1>Nationals acquiring Nathaniel Lowe in trade with Rangers</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2024-12-22T14:57:29-08:00">December 22nd, 2:57pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2024-12-22T15:32:54-08:00">December 22nd, 3:32pm</time><address><a>Brayden Haena</a>Brayden Haena is an Associate Editor at ClutchPoints. A die-hard San Francisco Giants fan and a football fanatic, Brayden further channels his baseball enthusiasm through his podcast, where he delves into the latest in sports with engaging commentary. He also serves as the Defensive Coordinator for Heritage High School. His commitment to sports journalism is evident in his diverse experiences with ContraCosta.news and his dedication to delivering compelling and insightful content.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">MLB</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nationals-news-washington-pitching-rotation-braves-mike-soroka">Washington Nationals are making moves</a> to bolster their lineup, finalizing a trade to acquire first baseman Nathaniel Lowe from the Texas Rangers. Lowe, a 29-year-old slugger, brings a consistent offensive presence to a Nationals lineup that has struggled to produce runs. <a href="https://x.com/JeffPassan/status/1870962911008399396" rel="noopener">Another first baseman is on the move</a>, as that position is a hot target this offseason.</p><p>“The Washington Nationals are finalizing a trade to acquire first baseman Nathaniel Lowe from the Texas Rangers, sources tell ESPN.” via Jeff Passan on X, formerly Twitter.</p><p>He’s a career <a href="https://www.bleachernation.com/cubs/2024/12/22/the-weekend-of-first-basemen-continues-rangers-trading-nathaniel-lowe-to-the-nationals/" rel="noopener">.272/.356/.433</a> hitter with a 122 wRC+ and has been a steady contributor for the Rangers, posting between 2.7 and 3.1 WAR in the last three seasons. In 2024, Lowe slashed .265/.361/.401 with 16 home runs and 69 RBIs, numbers that instantly upgraded a Nationals lineup that ranked near the bottom of the league in multiple offensive categories, including home runs and slugging percentage. Left-handed reliever Robert Garcia is heading to Texas as part of the trade.</p><p>“Left-handed reliever Robert Garcia is headed from the Nationals to the Rangers in the Nathaniel Lowe trade, sources tell ESPN.” Passan also tweeted.</p><h2><b>The Nationals are making moves this offseason as the 1B market is on fire</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Texas-Rangers-shortstop-Corey-Seager.jpg"><figcaption>Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption></figure><p>Garcia, 27, is a promising pre-arbitration arm who showed potential in 2024. His inclusion in the deal gives the Rangers a young bullpen option while they shuffle their infield following this trade.</p><p>Washington’s need for offensive reinforcement was glaring last season. The team hit the fewest home runs in the National League and struggled with a .375 slugging percentage, second-worst in the league. Lowe’s proven track record as a solid hitter and his ability to reach base—highlighted by a career .356 on-base percentage—should help the Nationals address those deficiencies.</p><p>With Lowe under team control through 2026, the Nationals gain more than just short-term production. Lowe’s presence at first base solidifies a key position as the team continues its rebuild, and his offensive capabilities could complement the development of Washington’s young core. Depending on how the 2025 season unfolds, Lowe could also serve as a valuable trade asset at the deadline or next offseason if the Nationals decide to accelerate their rebuild.</p><p>For the Rangers, the decision to move Lowe appears to be financially motivated. With Lowe projected to earn over $11 million in arbitration by 2025, Texas might prefer to allocate resources elsewhere. Additionally, the acquisition of Jake Burger suggests the Rangers could explore alternative infield configurations moving forward.</p><p>This trade highlights the Nationals’ commitment to reshaping their roster and addressing weaknesses. As Lowe dons the Nationals jersey, fans will be eager to see if his addition can help reverse the team’s fortunes and pave the way for a more competitive lineup. For the Rangers, Garcia’s potential emergence as a bullpen staple could make this a win-win trade in the long term.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Nationals acquiring Nathaniel Lowe in trade with Rangers

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nationals-news-washington-pitching-rotation-braves-mike-soroka');   ga('set', 'title', 'Nationals bolster pitching rotation with ex-Braves All-Star');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Nationals-news-Washington-bolsters-pitching-rotation-with-ex-Braves-All-Star.jpg"></figure><h1>Nationals bolster pitching rotation with ex-Braves All-Star</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2024-12-19T13:18:31-08:00">December 19th, 1:18pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2024-12-19T13:18:31-08:00">December 19th, 1:18pm</time><address><a href="https://www.facebook.com/joey.mistretta/" rel="facebook">Joey Mistretta</a>Joey Mistretta is a Dallas Mavericks beat reporter, Dallas Wings beat reporter and lead MLB editor for ClutchPoints. He is originally from Lake Arrowhead, California. Mistretta graduated from Biola University with a degree in broadcast journalism.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">MLB</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The Washington Nationals and former Atlanta Braves All-Star pitcher Mike Soroka are <a href="https://x.com/Ken_Rosenthal/status/1869840971174949223" rel="noopener">reportedly in agreement</a> on a contract, per Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic. Jesse Rogers of ESPN <a href="https://x.com/JesseRogersESPN/status/1869843158378655879" rel="noopener">reports that the deal</a> is worth $9 million for one season.</p><p>Soroka, 27, was once regarded as a future superstar. He made the All-Star team in 2019, which was his first full big league season. Soroka finished second in National League Cy Young voting after pitching to a 2.68 ERA across 174.2 innings during the ’19 campaign.</p><p>Injuries, however, limited Soroka over the next few years. He did not throw a single inning in 2021 or 2022, and Soroka ultimately pitched in just seven total games after returning in 2023.</p><p>2023 also represented Soroka’s final season with the Braves. <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/braves-news-mike-soroka-atlanta-trade-white-sox">Soroka joined the Chicago White Sox</a> in 2024, and made 25 appearances, starting nine games. It will be interesting to see what his role is in Washington with the Nationals.</p><p>At just 27 years old, the Nationals could certainly still help him revitalize his career as a starting pitcher. However, many hurlers who were once starters have found success after shifting to the bullpen.</p><p>The Nationals quietly displayed signs of potential in 2024. They still finished with a lackluster 71-91 record, but Washington features an intriguing core of players. The Nationals ended up finishing fourth in the National League East.</p><p>If the Nationals surprise the MLB world and contend in 2025 then Soroka could play a role in helping them compete. If Washington struggles amid their continued rebuild, however, Soroka will emerge as a trade candidate ahead of the deadline in July.</p><p>Either way, this signing makes sense for the Nationals. It also is understandable for Mike Soroka, who is hoping to reestablish himself as a reliable big league pitcher during the upcoming 2025 season. Playing in Washington should allow him to pitch on a consistent basis without added pressure.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Nationals bolster pitching rotation with ex-Braves All-Star

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/mlb-rumors-yankees-competition-christian-walker-free-agency-pursuit');   ga('set', 'title', 'MLB rumors: Yankees gaining competition in Christian Walker free agency pursuit');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Yankees-gaining-competition-in-Christian-Walker-free-agency-pursuit.jpg"></figure><h1>MLB rumors: Yankees gaining competition in Christian Walker free agency pursuit</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2024-12-11T13:10:55-08:00">December 11th, 1:10pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2024-12-11T13:26:09-08:00">December 11th, 1:26pm</time><address><a>Mike Gianakos</a>Mike Gianakos is the former editor-in-chief of High Times magazine, where he also spearheaded the video department and event production. He is a longtime podcaster and even longer suffering NY Jets fan.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">MLB</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The New York Yankees lost Juan Soto to their crosstown rivals, the New York Mets. While Soto’s departure certainly stings, it could be <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb-rumors-juan-soto-mets-decision-blessing-in-disguise-yankees">viewed as a blessing in disguise</a> as the Yankees now have the capital to sign multiple free agents, potentially building a more complete team.</p><p>New York has a glaring need at first base and the team is reportedly <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb-rumors-yankees-prioritizing-christian-walker-over-pete-alonso">prioritizing Christian Walker over Pete Alonso</a>, who is also available this offseason. However, the Yankees are not alone in their pursuit of Walker as the 11-year veteran is <a href="https://x.com/ByRobertMurray/status/1866881507744420062" rel="noopener">drawing plenty of interest</a>. Several teams, including the Washington Nationals, have reached out to Walker, according to insider Robert Murray on X.</p><p>While Walker is nearly four years older than Alonso and will be 34 when the 2025 season begins, some consider him the <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb-rumors-yankees-diamondbacks-christian-walker-free-agency">top position player available in free agency</a> with Soto now spoken for. His age is actually working in his favor as he’s expected to be more cost effective on a shorter deal than Alonso, while still providing plenty of power at a corner infield spot along with superior defense.</p><p>Walker played the last eight seasons with the Arizona Diamondbacks. Although injuries limited him to just 130 games in 2024, he still mashed 26 home runs along with 84 RBI while racking up 2.6 WAR.</p><p>In the last three seasons with the Diamondbacks, Walker has hit 36, 33 and 26 homers, compared to 40, 46 and 34 dingers for Alonso. However, Walker also adds a high-end defensive presence, winning the Gold Glove in each of those seasons.</p><h2><b>Will the Yankees lose a bidding war for first baseman Christian Walker?</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Christian-Walker.jpg"><figcaption>Matt Kartozian-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>It was originally assumed the competition to land Walker would come down to the Yankees and the Mets. But multiple teams have shown interest in the veteran. The Detroit <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb-rumors-tigers-interest-walker-buehler-christian-walker-catch">Tigers recently popped up as potential contenders</a> and now the Nationals are surprise suitors as well.</p><p>The Nationals have missed the playoffs in each of the last five seasons since winning the World Series in 2019. Washington has back-to-back 71-91 seasons and hasn’t had a winning record since the championship campaign. However, the <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nationals-news-mlb-world-reacts-washington-no-1-pick-draft-lottery">Nationals won the first overall pick</a> in the 2025 draft lottery and the team could be looking to add a veteran presence in the locker room, making Walker an unexpected but solid fit.</p><p>After missing out on Soto, the <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/yankees-news-max-fried-ny-agree-8-year-218-million-deal-free-agency">Yankees landed starting pitcher Max Fried</a>, inking the lefty to a massive eight-year, $218 million deal. New York is also in <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb-rumors-yankees-interest-alex-bregman-heating-up-losing-juan-soto">hot pursuit of third baseman Alex Bregman</a>.</p><p>If the Yankees can bolster their starting rotation while also adding Bregman and Walker to their corner infield spots, the team would appear to be in good shape despite losing its second-best player.</p><p>Still, it’s unclear if the Yankees will be able to sign Walker. With multiple teams showing interest a bidding war could develop, diminishing Walker’s value, which is part of what makes him such an attractive option for New York in the first place.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

MLB rumors: Yankees gaining competition in Christian Walker free agency pursuit

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nationals-news-mlb-world-reacts-washington-no-1-pick-draft-lottery');   ga('set', 'title', 'MLB world reacts to Washington earning No. 1 pick in draft lottery');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Nationals-news-MLB-world-reacts-to-Washington-earning-No.-1-pick-in-draft-lottery-ADD-REACTIONS.jpg"></figure><h1>MLB world reacts to Washington earning No. 1 pick in draft lottery</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2024-12-10T16:11:53-08:00">December 10th, 4:11pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2024-12-10T16:11:53-08:00">December 10th, 4:11pm</time><address><a>Russell Steinberg</a>Russell Steinberg covers Major League Baseball and the New York Liberty for ClutchPoints. A baseball and basketball lifer, he has written for Boardroom, SLAM, SB Nation, The Next, and more. He graduated from NYU in 2012 and still returns to serve as PA announcer and occasional broadcaster for the school’s basketball and volleyball teams.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">MLB</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>Five Major League Baseball teams finished the 2024 season with a worse record than the Washington Nationals, but it will be the 2019 World Series champions who get the No.  1 pick in <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/tag/mlb-draft">next summer’s MLB Draft</a>.</p><p>The league conducted its annual draft lottery on Tuesday evening, and Washington got lucky, earning the top pick despite only having a 10.2% chance to do so. The Colorado Rockies and Miami Marlins both had 22.5% chances. The other teams that finished worse than Washington, the Athletics and Chicago White Sox, were not eligible for lottery picks.</p><p>After Washington, the Los Angeles Angels will pick second and the Seattle Mariners third.</p><p>Naturally, Nationals fans were <a href="https://x.com/DC__Rising/status/1866617758689165415" rel="noopener">ecstatic</a> at the news.</p><p>“YOUR WASHINGTON NATIONALS HAVE THE #1 PICK IN THE MLB DRAFT,” wrote one fan in all caps. “ETHAN HOLLIDAY, SEE YOU SOON.”</p><p>Infielder <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/orioles-news-jackson-holliday-brother-peyton-eli-manning-history">Ethan Holliday, son of former MLB player Matt Holliday</a>, is the consensus top prospect in this year’s draft class. While some celebrated Holliday’s potential new home in Washington, others speculated that outfielder Jace Laviolette might go first instead. Aria Gerson of The Tennessean resorted to the popular <a href="https://x.com/aria_gerson/status/1866622307244052993" rel="noopener">Spiderman meme</a> to describe Nationals fans.</p><p>“Half my TL being convinced the Nats are getting Jace LaViolette and the other half convinced they’re getting Ethan Holliday,” she wrote.</p><p>Not all Nationals fans were celebrating. Even five years removed from a championship, they’ve seen a lot of losing in their lives and <a href="https://x.com/melojleo/status/1866624139848724874" rel="noopener">it’s worn on them</a>.</p><p>“Who cares? In six years, he’ll probably be playing for the Phillies or the Mets,” one fan wrote.</p><p>“Sweet! Can’t wait to see that draft pick sign a 500 million dollar deal with the Yankees in 5 years,” added <a href="https://x.com/KABrill21/status/1866617739814842657" rel="noopener">another</a>.</p><p>MLB reporter and radio personality Matt Paulsen pointed out maybe <a href="https://x.com/granthpaulsen/status/1866624615126274546" rel="noopener">the coolest aspect</a> of the whole thing, as former Nationals first baseman Matt Adams stood on stage to represent the team during the lottery.</p><p>“Matt Adams was on the Cardinals with Matt Holliday when Ethan Holliday was a toddler,” he said. “He saw him running around the clubhouse and played with him at the ballpark. Now he helped the Nats get the No. 1 pick that could end up becoming Ethan Holliday. Baseball, man! Sports!”</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

MLB world reacts to Washington earning No. 1 pick in draft lottery

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nationals-news-dave-martinez-thanks-juan-soto-nl-east-rivalry');   ga('set', 'title', 'Nationals’ Dave Martinez thanks Juan Soto ahead of NL East rivalry');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Nationals-news-Dave-Martinez-thanks-Juan-Soto-ahead-of-NL-East-rivalry.jpg"></figure><h1>Nationals’ Dave Martinez thanks Juan Soto ahead of NL East rivalry</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2024-12-09T13:47:23-08:00">December 9th, 1:47pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2024-12-09T13:47:23-08:00">December 9th, 1:47pm</time><address><a href="https://haydencilley.wixsite.com/hayden-cilley-s-port">Hayden Cilley</a>Hayden Cilley joined ClutchPoints in August 2024 as a Phoenix Suns and Mercury reporter, as well as an Associate Editor. Hayden graduated from the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism at Arizona State University while covering events like the 2023 NCAA Men's Final Four, the 2024 Vrbo Fiesta Bowl and the Arizona State men's swim and dive team. He recently covered the Phoenix Mercury for The Next Hoops and PHNX Sports.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">MLB</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>Juan Soto’s signing with the New York Mets has been the talk of the sports world. In a moment of reflection, Washington Nationals manager Dave Martinez personally thanked Soto on the Hot Stove show for <a href="https://youtu.be/ZMmqB7RVVC4?t=177" rel="noopener">what he provided</a> to the organization, despite being a part of another AL East rivalry.<br><br>“These kids are getting better… I could thank Juan Soto too for some of these players we’ve got because we got a lot of these guys in the trade with San Diego,” Martinez said. “They’re all doing really well, some of the guys that are not in the big leagues yet are doing really well. Hassell just had a great Fall league. Susana, a young pitcher of ours, has come a long way in the few years we had him. These are the guys that potentially gonna help us win another championship as well.”<br><br>Martinez was referring to <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb-rumors-nationals-floated-dark-horse-juan-soto-free-agency-suitor-by-ex-player">Soto’s initial departure</a> when he left the Nation’s Capital for the San Diego Padres. They acquired rookies CJ Abrams and MacKenzie Gore, in addition to Robert Hassell III, James Wood, Jarlin Susana, and veteran slugger Luke Voit. Even though the latter of those struggled during his time with the Nationals, they built a nice farm system.</p><h2><b>Juan Soto helped Dave Martinez and the Nationals with a good farm system</b></h2><p>For instance, <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nationals-news-washington-options-2024-all-star-minor-leagues">Abrams 2024 made the National League All-Star Team</a> with the Nationals, hitting 20 home runs, 65 RBI, and 31 stolen bases last season. Also, MacKenzie Gore finished last season 10 – 12 with a 3.90 ERA, and in 2023 with the Nationals 7 – 10 with a 4.42 ERA. In regards to their prospects, James Woods was considered the Nationals’ top prospect in 2023 after being traded, while Jarlin Susana was one of their top pitching prospects.<br><br>The Nationals acquired six players from the initial Soto trade. Although they’re in a rebuild, Washington has some true promise. They have <a href="https://www.mlb.com/prospects/nationals" rel="noopener">two prospects that could grace the MLB</a> next season. Outfielder Dylan Crews and third baseman Brady House. While the latter is an AAA prospect, he’s likely to make the roster at some point. The 71-91 Nationals proved they could play some tough games, most notably against their division rivals, the Philadelphia Phillies and New York Mets.</p><p>Now, they’ll have to play Soto 13 times next season now that he’s returned to the NL East. He’ll cause his former opponents some problems, as he always has. However, Washington might have an advantage that other teams don’t. While Soto’s game has evolved, they still understand some tendencies and can capitalize on those. Either way, Martinez will remain grateful as long as his young players continue to emerge.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Nationals’ Dave Martinez thanks Juan Soto ahead of NL East rivalry

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/juan-soto-net-worth');   ga('set', 'title', 'Juan Soto’s net worth in 2024');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Juan-Sotos-net-worth-in-2024-refurb.jpg"></figure><h1>Juan Soto’s net worth in 2024</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2024-12-09T07:40:18-08:00">December 9th, 7:40am</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2024-12-09T07:46:00-08:00">December 9th, 7:46am</time><address><a href="https://www.facebook.com/spencersee10" rel="facebook">Spencer See</a>Spencer See is a part-time writer at ClutchPoints focusing on the NBA, evergreen content and celebrity lifestyle. He is also a lifelong fan of LeBron James. In his free time, he either goes fishing or watches basketball.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Editorials</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>Juan Soto’s net worth in 2024 is $100 million. <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mets-news-juan-soto-new-york-agree-million-contract-free-agency">Soto is the newest New York Met</a> after signing a massive 15-year, $765 million contract. He is a four-time Silver Slugger, a four-time All-Star, a batting champion and a World Series champion with the Washington Nationals. Here’s a look at Juan Soto’s net worth in 2024 after signing the largest contract in any sport in the world.</p><h2><b>What is Juan Soto’s net worth in 2024?: $100 million (estimate)</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Juan_Soto_net_worth_in_2023_2_copy.webp"></figure><p>Juan Soto’s net worth in 2024 <a href="https://www.celebritynetworth.com/richest-athletes/richest-baseball/juan-soto-net-worth/" rel="noopener">is $100 million</a>. This is according to reputable outlets such as Celebrity Net Worth. </p><p>Juan Soto was born in Sto. Domingo, Dominican Republic. He attended the Nationals’ Dominican Academy and took classes online. While studying, Soto also joined the baseball team where he showcased his potential. Shortly after, Soto earned various contract offers. </p><p>In 2015, Soto joined the minor leagues after the Washington Nationals signed him as a free agent. Soto agreed to play for the Nationals on a deal that included a <a href="https://www.mlb.com/news/nationals-sign-dominican-outfielder-juan-soto/c-134216106">$1.5 million signing bonus</a>.</p><p>As a rookie, he immediately made an impact. Soto hit .368, made five home runs, 32 RBIs to take home <a href="https://www.milb.com/player/juan-soto-665742#/career/R/hitting/2018/ALL">MVP honors</a> as a rookie in the Gulf Coast League for the 2016 season. </p><p>Aside from playing for the Gulf Coast League Nationals, Soto also had solid stints with other teams in the minor leagues. He suited up for the Hagerstown Suns of the Class A South Atlantic League in 2017. </p><p>A year later, Soto was promoted to play for the Potomac Nationals of the Carolina League. Soto wrapped up his minor league career with the Harrisburg Senators in the Class AA Eastern League. </p><h2><b>Juan Soto’s major-league debut</b></h2><p>In 2018, Juan Soto marked the beginning of his historic rookie season. Coming in as a highly touted international prospect and earning the moniker Childish Bambino, Soto made sure he was as good as advertised. On May 20, 2018, in a game against the Los Angeles Dodgers, Soto became the <a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/2018/05/20/19-year-old-outfielder-juan-soto-brought-up-to-nats/35157491/">youngest player</a> to make his debut in the MLB at 19 years old.</p><p>Aside from being the youngest to debut in MLB history, Soto’s rookie campaign also saw him become the <a href="https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/nationals-juan-soto-becomes-youngest-mlb-player-to-hit-a-home-run-in-six-years/">youngest player in MLB history to hit a home run</a> since Jurickson Profar of the Texas Rangers in 2012. </p><p>Soto wrapped up his rookie season with a batting average of .292, 22 homers, and 70 RBIs. But despite an exceptional rookie year, Soto missed out on the Rookie of the Year Award and finished second behind Shohei Ohtani. </p><h2><b>Juan Soto wins a World Series</b></h2><p>After an outstanding rookie season, the Nationals rewarded Soto with a one-year, $572,300 deal according to <a href="https://www.spotrac.com/mlb/washington-nationals/juan-soto-25959/transactions/">Spotrac</a>. Soto repaid the franchise by playing an instrumental role in leading the franchise to the 2019 World Series Championship. </p><p>In the postseason, Soto accumulated a batting average of .277, five home runs, and 14 RBIs. In the process, he also became the <a href="https://www.mlb.com/news/juan-soto-hits-historic-home-run-in-world-series-game-1">fourth youngest player</a> to hit a home run in a World Series game. Soto would eventually win his first World Series Championship and was named a co-winner of the Babe Ruth Award alongside Stephen Strasburg. </p><p>With Soto winning it all, the Nationals rewarded him again with an extension. He inked a one-year, $629,400 contract. </p><p>The 2020 season started rough for Soto. He suffered an elbow injury and also <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2020/07/23/nationals-star-juan-soto-tests-positive-coronavirus-is-left-off-washington-opening-day-roster/">contracted COVID-19</a> which forced him to miss the start of the season. But despite missing time, Soto finished the season strong. </p><p>He played enough games to qualify and win the NL batting title with a batting average of .351. Soto became the <a href="https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/nationals-juan-soto-becomes-youngest-player-to-win-national-league-batting-title/#:~:text=Soto%2C%2021%2C%20edged%20out%20Pete,history%2C%20joining%20Al%20Oliver%20(.">youngest to ever achieve the feat</a>. On top of this, he also won his first Silver Slugger Award and was named to the All-MLB First Team. This helped to add to Juan Soto’s net worth in 2022.</p><p>After the 2020 season, to avoid arbitration, Soto and the Nationals agreed on a one-year deal that would pay the former, <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2021/01/15/washington-nationals-arbitration-deadline/">$8.5 million</a>. Soto continued to make a name for himself in the MLB. </p><p>He racked up his second Silver Slugger Award, second-straight All-MLB First Team selection, and his first All-Star appearance. Soto was also close to winning his first NL MVP. However, he would finish as the runner-up to Bryce Harper. </p><p>With solid performances from Soto, it was no surprise that he was due for bigger paychecks. In fact, before the MLB lockout, the Nationals reportedly offered the young star a lucrative 13-year deal that was worth $350 million. But despite it being potentially the third-largest contract in MLB history, <a href="https://www.celebritynetworth.com/articles/sports-news/juan-soto-turned-down-the-third-largest-contract-offer-in-mlb-history-and-it-might-be-a-really-smart-move-in-the-long-run/">Soto turned it down</a>. </p><h2><b>Juan Soto is traded to the Padres, then the Yankees</b></h2><figure class="op-interactive"><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CgxRC9jvtHo/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading"><div style="padding: 16px;"><p> </p><div style="display: flex;"><div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div><div style="display: flex;"><div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div><div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div><div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"><div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div><div style="display: flex; margin-bottom: 14px;"><div><div></div><div></div><div></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"><div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div><div></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"><div></div><div></div><div></div></div></div><div style="display: flex; margin-bottom: 24px;"><div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div><div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div><p> </p><p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; white-space: nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CgxRC9jvtHo/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" rel="noopener" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">A post shared by San Diego Padres (@padres)</a></p></div></blockquote><p><script async="" src="https://instagram.com/embed.js"></script></p></figure><p>On Aug. 2, 2022, the San Diego Padres acquired Soto from the Nationals for CJ Abrams, MacKenzie Gore, Robert Hassell, James Wood, Jarlin Susana, and Luke Voit. Soto had a tough rest of the season, making his decision to turn down the lucrative contract look like a mistake.</p><p>On Jan. 13, 2023, Soto signed a one-year, $23 million contract with the Padres to avoid salary arbitration. He played in all 162 games with the Padres in the 2023 season, boasting a .275 batting average, 35 home runs, 109 RBIs, and an MLB-leading 132 walks.</p><p>He wouldn’t be a Padre for long, as the New York Yankees acquired Soto on December 6, 2023, for Michael King, Drew Thorpe, Jhony Brito, Randy Vasquez, and Kyle Higashioka.</p><p>Soto batted .288/.419/.569 as the Yankees finished with the best record in the American League. Soto then batted .327/.469/.633 in the postseason to lead the Yankees back to the World Series for the first time since 2009. However, the <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/dodgers-news-beat-yankees-wild-fashion-claim-world-series-glory">Yankees lost to the Los Angeles Dodgers</a> in five games.</p><p>After the World Series, Soto became a free agent, which set off a huge bidding war, with the Mets and the Yankees being the favorites to land the generational talent. The other main bidders for his services were the Dodgers, Boston Red Sox, and Toronto Blue Jays.</p><p>Soto ultimately made his decision to sign with the Mets at the Winter Meetings in December. The total amount of the contract surpassed the $700 million that the Dodgers signed Shohei Ohtani for the previous offseason, which was the previous largest contract in sports history.</p><h2><b>Juan Soto’s endorsements</b></h2><p>Due to his influence as one of the best baseball players today, Soto has also earned a bevy of endorsement deals. He h<a href="https://www.osdbsports.com/mlb/players/juan-soto/2aadd7c6-eaea-4975-934e-e504fe9903a2" rel="noopener">as endorsed </a>brands such as Under Armour, Quickbooks, Wilson, Walgreens, Topps, Tap Sports, Lids, and Secrets Resort &amp; Spa. According to sources, Soto <a href="https://firstsportz.com/mlb-news-juan-soto-net-worth-career-endorsements-girlfriend-family-and-more/" rel="noopener">earns an additional income</a> of $2 million from his endorsements. </p><p>Undoubtedly, Soto is looking like the face of the Washington Nationals. Nevertheless, were you at all stunned by Juan Soto’s net worth in 2024?</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Juan Soto’s net worth in 2024

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/mlb-rumors-nationals-concerns-pursuing-veteran-free-agents');   ga('set', 'title', 'MLB rumors: Nationals’ concerns with pursuing big veteran free agents');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/MLB-rumors-Nationals-concerns-with-pursuing-big-veteran-free-agents.jpg"></figure><h1>MLB rumors: Nationals’ concerns with pursuing big veteran free agents</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2024-11-25T11:45:35-08:00">November 25th, 11:45am</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2024-11-25T12:10:40-08:00">November 25th, 12:10pm</time><address><a>Christopher Hennessy</a>Christopher Hennessy graduated with a journalism degree from Fordham University in 2022. He has also worked at Spectrum News One in Albany, New York and with The Hockey Writers as a New York Islanders writer. Chris is originally from Connecticut and is a lifelong New York Yankees, Islanders, and Jets fan.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">MLB</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The Washington Nationals are in the <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nationals-news-dylan-crews-first-mlb-hit">midst of a rebuild, with four straight 90-loss seasons</a>. With young players all over the diamond, they should be looking to add a veteran but, according to The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal, they are unlike to do so. Why are the Nationals <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5945606/2024/11/25/mlb-offseason-notebook-braves-ramon-laureano-angels-nationals/" rel="noopener">against adding a free agent</a> like Pete Alonso or Christian Walker?</p><p>“The Washington Nationals are in a position not unlike where they were when they signed outfielder Jayson Werth to a seven-year, $126 million free-agent contract entering the 2011 season. Werth, who was turning 32, came close to fulfilling the value of his contract, according to Fangraphs’ dollars metric, which is WAR converted to a dollar scale based on what a player would earn in free agency. So, assuming the Lerner ownership is willing to spend — never a sure thing — the Nats must identify which free-agent position player can boost them the way Werth once did.”</p><p>Rosenthal goes on to explain that first base is the place the Nationals should be looking to add. There are top-notch free agents available at the position that would fit with the team. They have not spent big on their players, <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/padres-news-jackson-merrill-juan-soto-trade-nationals">like Bryce Harper and Juan Soto</a>, but could spend big to bring in a first baseman. They could also spend on depth players and build a contender slowly.</p><h2><b>Best Nationals free agency plan</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Christian-Walker-with-AZ-Diamondbacks.jpg"><figcaption>Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>The Nationals enter free agency with $177 million in cap space and only two contracts projected over $5 million. So if the ownership wants to spend, they have space to do it without getting the tax penalty. The key is ownership, who could rectify a wrong and bring Juan Soto back to the capital city. Even with this much room, they are unlikely to throw their hat in the ring.</p><p>There is no reason that the Nationals should stay out of the free agency game this offseason. Alonso makes a lot of sense, as it would improve the Nats and make the Mets worse. He has also dominated at Nationals Park, hitting .304 in 48 games with a 1.009 OPS. A bona fide slugger that makes a dormant rivalry much juicier would be great for everyone involved.</p><p>Walker also fits the bill but is a bit older than Alonso. Concerns around his age and an impending sharp decline surround Walker. But the Nationals should take a shot at bringing in the veteran. While Werth was paid a lot of money, they would not have had the playoff success they did without his veteran presence.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

MLB rumors: Nationals’ concerns with pursuing big veteran free agents

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/mlb-rumors-nationals-destination-anthony-santander');   ga('set', 'title', 'MLB rumors: Nationals named ‘outside the box’ destination for Anthony Santander');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/11-22-24-santander-featured.jpeg"></figure><h1>MLB rumors: Nationals named ‘outside the box’ destination for Anthony Santander</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2024-11-22T11:07:24-08:00">November 22nd, 11:07am</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2024-11-22T11:41:24-08:00">November 22nd, 11:41am</time><address><a>David Korn</a>David Korn is an MLB associate editor at ClutchPoints. He is also a producer at MLB Network Radio and covers college basketball for A10Talk. David graduated from George Washington in 2023, where he was the radio play-by-play broadcaster for their Men's and Women's Basketball teams.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Baltimore Orioles</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>One of the most sought-after <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb-rumors-yankees-anthony-santander-interest-free-agency">free agents this offseason is outfielder Anthony Santander</a>. While many expect him to sign with a team like the New York Yankees or Los Angeles Dodgers, or even return to the Baltimore Orioles, a surprising team appears to be interested in Santander.</p><p>The Washington Nationals are a <a href="https://www.mlb.com/news/anthony-santander-contract-projections-predictions-during-free-agency" rel="noopener">potential suitor</a> for Santander according to MLB.com insider Mark Feinsand.</p><p>“Washington will look for a bat to upgrade its offense this winter, and while the outfield appears to be crowded with James Wood, Jacob Young and Dylan Crews, Santander could slot in as the designated hitter while occasionally getting a turn in the outfield,” Feinsand wrote on Friday. “Santander has also seen limited action at first base – he started seven games there for Baltimore in 2023 – so the Nats could think outside the box by moving him there.”</p><p>Like Feinsand mentions, Santander has primarily been considered as an outfielder, and the Nationals have one of the top young outfields in baseball with more outfield prospects on the way. But, the Nationals desperately need a veteran bat to surround their young core with, and Santander could be the perfect option.</p><h2><b>Anthony Santander’s fit with the Washington Nationals</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/11-22-24-santander-image.jpeg"><figcaption>© Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p><a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb-rumors-free-agency-anthony-santander-nationals">Santander had an incredible season</a> for the Nationals’ Beltway Series-rival Orioles last season, hitting 44 home runs, driving in 102 runs and recording a .506 slugging percentage. Santader showed that he is one of baseball’s best power hitters.</p><p>The Nationals’ rebuild is ahead of schedule. Shortstop C.J. Abrams blossomed into an All-Star in just his second full season, hitting 20 home runs and stealing 31 bases. 24-year-old Luis Garcia Jr. showed that he could be the team’s long-term second baseman, hitting .282 with 18 home runs. As a rookie, Jacob Young proved that he was already one of the best defensive center fielders in baseball. 22-year-old outfielders James Wood and Dylan Crews were both extremely impressive during their debuts in 2024.</p><p>If the Nationals’ young core continues to improve, adding a player like Santander could vault them into postseason contention. If Santander is willing to either move to first base or take a majority of his at-bats as a designated hitter, then the Nationals would be a perfect fit for him to be one of the faces of a franchise and be a veteran leader.</p><p>The question now is if the Nationals are able to compete financially with some of the larger-market teams who are also interested in signing Santander.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

MLB rumors: Nationals named ‘outside the box’ destination for Anthony Santander

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/mlb-rumors-free-agency-anthony-santander-nationals');   ga('set', 'title', 'MLB rumors: Surprise free agency suitor emerges for 2024 All-Star slugger');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Surprise-free-agency-suitor-emerges-for-2024-All-Star-slugger.jpg"></figure><h1>MLB rumors: Surprise free agency suitor emerges for 2024 All-Star slugger</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2024-11-08T10:03:05-08:00">November 8th, 10:03am</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2024-11-08T10:13:53-08:00">November 8th, 10:13am</time><address><a href="https://www.facebook.com/joey.mistretta/" rel="facebook">Joey Mistretta</a>Joey Mistretta is a Dallas Mavericks beat reporter, Dallas Wings beat reporter and lead MLB editor for ClutchPoints. He is originally from Lake Arrowhead, California. Mistretta graduated from Biola University with a degree in broadcast journalism.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">MLB</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>Former Baltimore Orioles outfielder <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb-rumors-yankees-anthony-santander-interest-free-agency">Anthony Santander is reportedly drawing interest from multiple teams in MLB free agency</a>. Santander is fresh off a strong 2024 All-Star season and is expected to receive a lucrative contract in free agency. Juggernauts such as the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Yankees will be linked to him, but a <a href="https://x.com/MLBNetwork/status/1854940447371935773" rel="noopener">surprise suitor has recently emerged</a>.</p><p>“The Nationals are a young team, you look at what they’ve got with Dylan Crews, James Wood,” Jon Morosi said on MLB Network. “There’s a lot of excitement now with the Washington Nationals and if they’re able to get a veteran bat like Anthony Santander, I think their path back to the postseason becomes a lot shorter and more direct.”</p><p>Morosi’s comments do not necessarily mean the Nationals will go all in on a Santander free agency pursuit. However, the comments will catch Nationals fans’ attention. Rumors have swirled about the ball club potentially looking to make some big moves during the offseason. Adding a star like Santander would give the Nationals a reliable veteran bat.</p><h2><b>Nationals linked to Anthony Santander in MLB free agency</b></h2><p>Santander, 30, has quietly been productive in recent seasons. In 2024, Santander had a quality campaign. He slashed .235/.308/.506/.814. Santander also hit a career-high 44 home runs and drove in a career-high 102 runs. He had previously displayed power potential, but Santander reached new heights during the ’24 season.</p><p>He can be a middle-of-the-order bat for any team that signs him. For Washington, he would immediately become one of the best players on the roster. Of course, Washington may not be ready to seriously compete in 2025 but they are getting closer to reaching their postseason goals.</p><p>If the Nationals are able to add multiple stars to their already impressive young core of players then perhaps a postseason run will not be out of the question in 2025.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

MLB rumors: Surprise free agency suitor emerges for 2024 All-Star slugger

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/padres-news-jackson-merrill-juan-soto-trade-nationals');   ga('set', 'title', 'Padres refused to include Jackson Merrill in Juan Soto trade with Nationals');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/10-24-24-merrill-featured.jpeg"></figure><h1>Padres refused to include Jackson Merrill in Juan Soto trade with Nationals</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2024-10-24T13:13:35-07:00">October 24th, 1:13pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2024-10-24T13:13:35-07:00">October 24th, 1:13pm</time><address><a>David Korn</a>David Korn is an MLB associate editor at ClutchPoints. He is also a producer at MLB Network Radio and covers college basketball for A10Talk. David graduated from George Washington in 2023, where he was the radio play-by-play broadcaster for their Men's and Women's Basketball teams.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">MLB</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>San Diego Padres outfielder <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/padres-jackson-merrill-makes-franchise-history-with-just-one-swing-vs-braves">Jackson Merrill had an incredible 2024 season</a> is one of the favorites to win the Rookie of the Year award in the National League. Without Merrill, the Padres likely would not have even made it to the postseason this year.</p><p>But, what if the Padres had included Merrill in the trade that got them Juan Soto from the Washington Nationals in 2022?</p><p>When the Nationals traded Soto to the Padres at the 2022 trade deadline, they <a href="https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/2024/10/22/tom-krasovic-jackson-merrills-rookie-season-was-so-special-that-padres-might-want-to-consider-a-long-term-contract-now/" rel="noopener">asked for</a> Merrill first before the Padres countered with James Wood, according to Tom Krasovic of the San Diego Union Tribune.</p><p>“The Nationals in fact asked for Merrill in the Juan Soto trade talks during the 2023 season,” Krasovic wrote. “Showing high regard for Merrill, Preller held him out of the trade and included James Wood, a slugging outfielder and Padres draftee who reminded some scouts of a young Aaron Judge and drew higher rankings from some media outlets than Merrill entering this season.”</p><p>While Wood has had a promising start to his Major League career with the Nationals, hitting .264 with nine home runs in 79 games after his mid-season promotion, Merrill is looking like a potential superstar. The Padres made the absolute correct decision in refusing to send Merrill to the Nationals. Padres president of baseball operations A.J. Preller deserves a lot of credit for holding on to Merrill despite the Nationals holding the upper-hand in negotiations during the Soto trade.</p><h2><b>Jackson Merrill’s 2024 rookie season with the San Diego Padres</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/10-24-24-merrill-image.jpeg"><figcaption>© Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>In Merrill’s rookie season, he slashed .292/.326/.500 while hitting 24 home runs and driving in 90 runs. He also played exceptional defense his center field despite it being his first time playing the position after transitioning from shortstop before the start of the season.</p><p>There were lots of questions about how the Padres would do this season after trading Soto to the Yankees. Merrill’s production put those concerns to rest as he helped lead the Padres to a 93-69 record, the first National League Wild Card spot, a Wild Card round victory over the Atlanta Braves and a neck-and-neck five game <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb-news-dodgers-padres-nlds-viewership-numbers-japan">NLDS loss to the pennant-winning Los Angeles Dodgers</a>.</p><p>Just 21 years old, Merrill has the potential to be one of the absolute best players in baseball after such an impressive rookie season. Based on what he was able to do in 2024 both with his bat and with his glove, it is not out of the question that Merrill could become a perennial MVP candidate.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Padres refused to include Jackson Merrill in Juan Soto trade with Nationals

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/phillies-vs-nationals-prediction-odds-pick-9-29-2024');   ga('set', 'title', 'Phillies vs. Nationals prediction, odds, pick – 9/29/2024');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Phillies-vs.-Nationals-prediction-odds-pick.jpg"></figure><h1>Phillies vs. Nationals prediction, odds, pick – 9/29/2024</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2024-09-28T15:59:33-07:00">September 28th, 3:59pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2024-09-28T15:59:33-07:00">September 28th, 3:59pm</time><address><a>Garrett Kerman</a>Garrett Kerman also goes by the name of The Fight Analyst. He covers all combat sports, from MMA, to boxing, to even bare-knuckle. He is also very well-versed in all American sports when it comes to news and betting analysis. Whether you want betting advice or some breaking news, Garrett is your guy.2024 YTD Record |NBA: 55-41 |NCAAB: 6-8 |MMA: 74-30 |Overall: 135-79</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Betting</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>Aaron Nola will take the mound for the Phillies in their season finale against the Nationals on Sunday. It’s time to continue our MLB odds <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/betting" rel="noopener">series</a> with a Phillies-Nationals prediction and pick.</p><h2><b>Phillies-Nationals Projected Starters </b></h2><p><b>Aaron Nola </b>vs. <b>Jake Irvin</b></p><p><b>Aaron Nola </b>(13-8) with a 3.52 ERA and a 1.18 WHIP</p><p>Last Start: Aaron Nola earned the win Monday, allowing two runs on seven hits and two walks over six innings against the Cubs. He struck out seven.</p><p>2024 Road Splits: Aaron Nola has been solid on the road where he is 6-4 with a 3.79 ERA and 1.28 WHIP.</p><p><b><b>Jake Irvin</b> </b>(10-13) with a 4.22  ERA and a 1.18 WHIP</p><p>Last Start: Jake Irvin allowed five runs on four hits and four walks while striking out three over four innings to take the loss Sunday versus the Cubs.</p><p>2024 Home Splits: Jake Irvin has surprisingly been worse at home than on the road where he is 3-8 with a 4.54 ERA and 1.23 WHIP</p><p><b><i>Here are the <a href="https://sportsbook.fanduel.com/navigation/mlb" rel="noopener">MLB Odds</a>, courtesy of FanDuel. </i></b></p><h2><b>MLB Odds: Phillies-Nationals Odds</b></h2><p>Philadelphia Phillies: -1.5 (-110)</p><p>Moneyline: -184</p><p>Washington Nationals: +1.5 (-110)</p><p>Moneyline: +154</p><p>Over: 7.5 (-122)</p><p>Under: 7.5 (+100)</p><h2><b>How to Watch Phillies vs. Nationals </b></h2><p>Time: 4:05 PM ET/1:05 PM PT</p><p>TV: Mid-Atlantic Sports Network, MLB Extra Innings</p><p>Stream: fuboTV (<a href="https://www.fubo.tv/stream/mlb/?irad=377812&amp;irmp=492408" rel="noopener sponsored">Free Trial</a>)</p><h2><b>Why The Phillies Will Cover The Spread/Win</b></h2><p>As the 2024 MLB season comes to a close, the Philadelphia Phillies are poised to end on a high note against the Washington Nationals in Sunday’s finale at Nationals Park. With Aaron Nola taking the mound for the Phillies, there are compelling reasons to believe they will secure a victory over Jake Irvin and the Nationals.</p><p>Aaron Nola has been a force to be reckoned with this season, boasting a 13-8 record and a solid 3.52 ERA. His experience and consistency give the Phillies a significant edge in this matchup. Nola’s ability to navigate through tough lineups and deliver quality starts has been crucial to Philadelphia’s success throughout the year.</p><p>The Phillies enter this game with extra motivation, as they’re still in contention for the top seed in the National League. This added incentive should fuel their performance and drive them to victory against a struggling Nationals team. Washington has had a challenging season, sitting at the bottom of the NL East. Jake Irvin, despite showing some promise, carries a 10-13 record with a 4.22 ERA into this final start. The Nationals’ overall offensive woes, particularly against strong pitching, play into the Phillies’ hands.</p><p>The Phillies’ lineup has been potent all season, and they’ve had success against the Nationals. With players like Trea Turner and Kyle Schwarber in the mix, Philadelphia’s offense is capable of providing ample run support for Nola. The combination of Nola’s pitching prowess, the Phillies’ postseason aspirations, and their offensive capabilities make them strong favorites to close out the season with a win against the Nationals. Expect Philadelphia to come out swinging and secure a decisive victory in this season finale.</p><h2><b>Why The Nationals Will Cover The Spread/Win</b></h2><p>As the 2024 MLB season comes to a close, the Washington Nationals have a golden opportunity to play spoiler against their division rivals, the Philadelphia Phillies, in Sunday’s season finale at Nationals Park. Despite being underdogs, there are compelling reasons to believe Jake Irvin and the Nationals can pull off an upset against Aaron Nola and the Phillies.</p><p>With nothing to lose, the Nationals will be playing free and loose, looking to end their season on a high note. This mindset often leads to inspired performances, especially against playoff-bound teams like the Phillies. The Phillies, having already clinched a playoff spot, may be more focused on resting key players and avoiding injuries. This could lead to a less-than-full-strength lineup facing Irvin, increasing the Nationals’ chances of success.</p><p>Aaron Nola, while having a solid season, has shown signs of fatigue in recent starts. The long season may be catching up to him, potentially making him vulnerable to a Nationals lineup eager to prove themselves. Washington’s young core, including players like CJ Abrams and Keibert Ruiz, have shown flashes of brilliance throughout the season. The finale presents an opportunity for these rising stars to make a statement against a top-tier pitcher like Nola.</p><p>The combination of Irvin’s home field comfort, the Nationals’ motivation to finish strong, potential Phillies complacency, Nola’s possible fatigue, and the breakout potential of Washington’s young talent creates a perfect storm for an upset. Don’t be surprised if the Nationals end their season with a statement win against their division rivals.</p><h2><b>Final Phillies</b><b>-Nationals Prediction &amp; Pick</b></h2><p>In this season finale, expect a surprisingly competitive matchup between the Phillies and Nationals. While Aaron Nola’s experience gives Philadelphia an edge  and the Nationals’ motivation to end on a high note could level the playing field. The Phillies’ playoff-bound status might lead to a slightly relaxed approach, potentially opening the door for an upset. Washington’s young talent, particularly CJ Abrams and Keibert Ruiz, could seize this opportunity to shine. However, Philadelphia’s overall offensive firepower should ultimately prevail in a close contest.</p><p><b>Final Phillies-Nationals Prediction &amp; Pick: Philadelphia Phillies ML (-184), Over 7.5 (-122)</b></p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Phillies vs. Nationals prediction, odds, pick – 9/29/2024

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/phillies-vs-nationals-prediction-odds-pick-9-28-2024');   ga('set', 'title', 'Phillies vs. Nationals prediction, odds, pick – 9/28/2024');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Phillies-vs.-Nationals-prediction-odds-pick-how-to-watch-2.jpg"></figure><h1>Phillies vs. Nationals prediction, odds, pick – 9/28/2024</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2024-09-28T09:20:30-07:00">September 28th, 9:20am</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2024-09-28T09:13:43-07:00">September 28th, 9:13am</time><address><a>Bryan Logan</a>Bryan Logan decided to jump into his passion for Sports Betting in 2022 after spending years in the world of education. With a love for analytics and all sports, he began working on models for daily sports picks. This led him to ClutchPoints in 2023, where he is a part of the betting editorial team.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Betting</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>Zack Wheeler heads to the mound for the Philadelphia Phillies as they face the Washington Nationals. It’s time to continue our MLB odds <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/betting" rel="noopener">series</a> with a Phillies-Nationals prediction and pick.</p><h2><b>Phillies-Nationals Projected Starters </b></h2><p><b>Zack Wheeler</b> vs. <b>MacKenzie Gore</b></p><p><b>Zack Wheeler</b> (16-7) with a 3.15 ERA and a 1.16 WHIP</p><p>Last Start: Wheeler went seven innings, giving up seven hits, a walk, and a home run. He gave up two runs in a loss to the New York Mets.</p><p>2024 Road Splits: Wheeler is 6-4 on the road in 15 starts, with a 2.83 ERA. He has a .202 opponent batting average.</p><p><b>MacKenzie Gore </b>(10-12) with a 4.04 ERA and a 1.45 WHIP</p><p>Last Start: Gore went seven innings, giving up one hits and three walks. The one hit was a home run, leading to the only run surrendered as Gore took the win over the Cubs.</p><p>2024 Home Splits:  Williams is 2-0 in four home starts this year with a 1.69 ERA and a .173 opponent batting average.</p><p><b><i>Here are the <a href="https://sportsbook.fanduel.com/navigation/mlb" rel="noopener">MLB Odds</a>, courtesy of FanDuel. </i></b></p><h2><b>MLB Odds: Phillies-Nationals Odds</b></h2><p>Philadelphia Phillies: -1.5 (-114)</p><p>Moneyline: -210</p><p>Washington Nationals: +1.5 (-105)</p><p>Moneyline: +176</p><p>Over: 7.5 (-120)</p><p>Under: 7.5 (-102)</p><h2><b>How to Watch Phillies vs. Nationals</b></h2><p>Time: 6:45 PM ET/ 3:45 PM PT</p><p>TV: NBSCP/MASN</p><p>Stream: fuboTV (<a href="https://www.fubo.tv/stream/mlb/?irad=377812&amp;irmp=492408" rel="noopener sponsored">Free Trial</a>)</p><h2><b>Why The Phillies Will Cover The Spread/Win</b></h2><p>The Phillies are fourth in majors in runs scored while sitting fourth in batting average, fourth in on-base percentage, and fifth in slugging. Kyle Schwarber has led the way this year. He is hitting .250 this year with a .367 on-base percentage. Schwarber has 38 home runs with 102 RBIs. He has also scored 108 times this year. Meanwhile, Bryce Harper is playing well. He is hitting .286 on the year with a .373 on-base percentage. He has 30 home runs, 87 RBIs, and 85 runs scored. Rounding out the top bats on the year is Alec Bohm. He is hitting .284 this year with 15 home runs, 95 RBIS, and 62 runs scored on the year.</p><p>Nick Castellanos has led the way in the last week. He is hitting .500 in the last week with two home runs, and five RBIs. He has also scored seven times in the last week. Alec Bohm has also been solid in the last week. He is hitting .208 in the last week with a home run, five RBIs, and two runs scored. Finally, Kyle Schwarber has been great as of late. He is hitting .226 in the last week, with three home runs, five RBIs, and six runs scored in the last week. The Phillies are hitting .271 in the last week with 12 home runs and 39 runs scored in the last seven games.</p><p>Current Phillies have 130 career at-bats against MacKenzie Gore. They have hit .300 against Gore. Bryce Harper is 5-2 with two doubles and two RBIs. Meanwhile, Nick Castellanos is 7-17 with two home runs and four RBIs. Finally, Trea Turner is 6-14 with two RBIs.</p><h2><b>Why The Nationals Will Cover The Spread/Win</b></h2><p>The Nationals are 25th in the majors in runs scored while sitting 19th in batting average, 19th in on-base percentage, and 26th in slugging. CJ Abrams had been one of the best bats this year but was <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb-rumors-nationals-cj-abrams-breaking-curfew-casino-led-demotion">demoted to the minors</a> after breaking curfew.  Luis Garcia has also led the way this year. He is hitting .278 on the year with a .316 on-base percentage. He has 16 home runs, 65 RBIs, and has scored 54 times this year. Further, he has stolen 21 bases. Also playing well this year is Keibert Ruiz. He is hitting .224 on the year with 13 home runs, 53 RBIs, and 45 runs scored. James Wood has also been solid since coming up to the majors. He is hitting .266 on the year with a .358 on-base percentage. He has eight home runs, 39 RBIS, and 39 runs scored this year.</p><p>Joey Gallo has been the top bat in the last week. He is hitting .250 in the last week with two home runs, six RBIs, and two runs scored. James Wood has been solid in the last week, hitting .286 with a home run, two RBIs, and two runs scored in the last week. Finally, Juan Yepez is hitting .286 in the last week but does not have an RBI. Still, he has three runs scored. The Nationals are hitting .226 in the last week with three home runs and 12 runs scored in six games.</p><p>Current Nationals have 90 career at-bats against Zack Wheeler. they have hit just .167 against Wheeler.  Luis Garcia Jr has the most experience, going 6-28 with two doubles, a home run, and three RBIs. Meanwhile, Keibert Ruiz is 5-22 with two home runs and five RBIs.</p><h2><b>Final Phillies-Nationals Prediction &amp; Pick</b></h2><p>Zack Wheeler has been solid this month. He has pitched 26 innings, giving up just six runs in the process. Further, he is 3-1 in the last four games. Still, MacKenzie Gore has been just as good as of late. In September he pitched 22.2 innings, giving up ten runs, but just four earned. Further, the Nationals are 2-2 in those games. The Phillies have been the better-hitting team in the last week though, so take the Phillies to get the win.</p><p><b>Final Phillies-Nationals Prediction &amp; Pick: Phillies ML (-210)</b></p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Darren
Baker

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• Phillies vs. Nationals prediction, odds, pick – 9/29/2024

• Phillies vs. Nationals prediction, odds, pick – 9/28/2024

2024 SEASON STATS
BA	HR	RBI	OPS	SB
.500	0	0	1.143	0

2024 SEASON STATS
BA	HR	RBI	OPS	SB
.500	0	0	1.143	0

Darren Baker

Latest Related Team News

Nationals acquiring Nathaniel Lowe in trade with Rangers

Nationals bolster pitching rotation with ex-Braves All-Star

MLB rumors: Yankees gaining competition in Christian Walker free agency pursuit

MLB world reacts to Washington earning No. 1 pick in draft lottery

Nationals’ Dave Martinez thanks Juan Soto ahead of NL East rivalry

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• Phillies vs. Nationals prediction, odds, pick – 9/29/2024

• Phillies vs. Nationals prediction, odds, pick – 9/28/2024

Darren
Baker