Source: Elian Soto "close" to deal with the Nationals

Elian Soto, the talented younger brother of Nationals sensation Juan Soto, is close to a deal with the Washington Nationals, a source with intimate knowledge of the negotiations confirmed.

The younger Soto, who has demonstrated tremendous power in his Dominican Republic workouts, turned 16 today and will not be eligible to officially sign the deal until this time next year.

International free agents are able to sign between January 15 and December 15, 2022. Major League baseball’s minimum age to play is 17. Juan Soto was 19 years and 207 days when he made his Major League debut with the Nationals.

Elian plays third base and outfield and bats left-handed, just like his older sibling. The New York Post recently reported that the younger Soto was going to sign with the New York Mets. But in the last few days, Elian Soto decided instead to agree to a deal with the Nats. Scott Boras confirmed to the Post he represents the Soto brothers.