Washington Nationals outfielder Juan Soto turned down one of the biggest contract offers in MLB history before the lockout began in December. The team tried to sign their superstar to a 13-year, $350 million extension, ESPN reports.

Soto acknowledged to ESPN that he declined an extension, adding that he wants to spend the rest of his career in Washington.

"Yes, they made me an offer a few months ago, before the lockout," Soto said. "But right now, my agents and I think the best option is to go year by year and wait for free agency. My agent, Scott Boras, has control over the situation."

Soto is arbitration-eligible for three more years before he can become a free agent after the 2024 season. The 23-year-old is projected to make more than $15 million in the 2022 season.

Had he accepted the offer, the $350 million extension would’ve been the third-highest in MLB history, eclipsing the 10-year, $341 million extension Francisco Lindor signed with the New York Mets a year ago. Mookie Betts’ 12-year, $365 million deal is the most lucrative extension ever signed by an MLB player. Mike Trout’s 10-years, $360 million extension is second on the list.

Trout, Betts and Lindor all make more than $30 million per year. Soto’s extension would’ve paid him an average annual salary of just under $27 million through the 2034 season.

If Soto continues on his current trajectory, he could receive contract offers well north of $400 million when he becomes a free agent. The slugger is off to a historic start to his career, finishing second in the 2021 NL MVP voting.

Soto hit .313 with 29 home runs and a league-high .465 on-base percentage last season. In his age-20 season, Soto ranked first in the NL with .351/.490/.695 splits during the shortened 2020 campaign.

Prior to the lockout being imposed on Dec. 2, MLB teams agreed to $1.4 billion in player contracts. It remains to be seen when the owners and MLB Players Association will agree to a new collective-bargaining agreement.

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