Soto's brother to sign with Nationals next year

*Photo from Essentially Sports*

   Pretty soon, the Soto family will be full on for DC. Elian Soto, the younger brother of Washington Nationals superstar and NL MVP finalist Juan Soto, is planning to sign with the Nationals organization, according to Britt Ghiroli and Maria Torres of The Athletic.

   According to the report, Juan played a significant role in Elian choosing the Nationals. The deal cannot be official until January of 2023, because the younger Soto turned 16 on Monday, so he is unable to sign with the Nationals until the next international signing period. It could also change if an MLB international draft is a part of the new CBA, which is nowhere near finalized.

   The news of Elian reportedly choosing the Nationals comes as a shock, because on December 31, a video on his Instagram showed him working out in New York Mets gear, with the caption being "Are you ready for what's coming this year?" Elian is a left handed OF/3B who would likely play alongside Juan in the outfield, should the stars align.

   In his article in the New York Post, Ken Davidoff says that "An industry talent evaluator offered that Elian Soto's best tool was his power, with the other tools (hit, running, arm and defense) not ranking as high. Nevertheless, there is respect for the bloodlines and any player so young carries considerable room for growth. Blue Jays All-Star Vladimir Guerrero Jr., boasting of some excellent bloodlines himself, told Gomez of Elian Soto, 'He hit harder than Juan Soto when he was 15 years old.'"

   Prior to the 2023 signing period beginning, Elian is being advised by top baseball agent Scott Boras, who happens to represent Juan.