Washington Nationals need to avoid same mistakes made with Bryce Harper & Juan Soto

And both times, Washington failed to secure them long-term. Now the Nationals have another exciting young core forming, and they absolutely cannot afford to make the same mistake again. MORE: New York Mets season has gone from bad to worse after latest injury May 21, 2018; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals left fielder Juan Soto (22) hits a three run home run during the second inning against the San Diego Padres at Nationals Park.

Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports The Situation Hurts Harper was supposed to be the face of the franchise for over a decade. Instead, Washington allowed him to reach free agency, where he eventually left for the Philadelphia Phillies. Watching a homegrown superstar walk away for nothing was painful enough.

But then the Nationals repeated the same pattern again with Soto. Unlike Harper, Soto helped the team win a World Series, yet he wasn’t even allowed to reach free agency. The Nationals ultimately traded him because they feared losing him later without receiving assets in return.

While Washington received a significant prospect package back, the reality remains: They lost another generational hitter. And that’s the type of cycle franchises must avoid if they want sustained success. Sep 24, 2025; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Washington Nationals left fielder James Wood (29) reacts after hitting a home run against the Atlanta Braves during the eighth inning at Truist Park.