The Latest Breaking News from Juan Soto

The best young hitter since Ted Williams is on the block. Which team will he be playing for after Tuesday at 6 p.m. ET?

WASHINGTON — At the end of a road trip that began with another injured starter and was surrounded by the Cardinals’ ongoing attempts to trade for a starter, the youngest member of the rotation asserted his place in it.

The star outfielder discussed the ongoing rumors and his future with the Nationals ahead of Tuesday’s trade deadline.

SEATTLE — On a night the Mariners flailed in vain against Justin Verlander, they took a huge swing ... and connected.

With the trade deadline approaching, the pair of National League teams appear to be at the front of the Soto negotiations.

By this time next week, it will all be over. We’ll know which teams acquired starting pitchers Luis Castillo, José Quintana and Noah Syndergaard. We’ll see where the Cubs sent All-Star catcher Willson Contreras and closer David Robertson, and if they dealt All-Star outfielder Ian Happ. ...

Plus, the “homework clause” in Kyler Murray’s contract is no more

MIAMI — The Miami Marlins should trade for Juan Soto.

At the risk of sounding like someone who does not understand the awesomeness of Juan Soto — I do, I promise — this feels like a good time to remind folks that Cardinals outfielder Dylan Carlson is producing in the present while also providing plenty of reasons for future optimism.

This team has reportedly emerged as a potential player in the chase for the All-Star.

The Cardinals’ big picture is sunnier than it has been for many years.