Just when it looked as if the Mets were going to tie the Soto score, they fell further behind. 

Elian Soto, who turned 16 on Monday, intends to sign with his older brother Juan’s Nationals, an industry source confirmed. Washington-based journalist Byron Kerr first reported the news as well as the fact that Soto won’t actually sign with the Nats until Jan. 15, 2023, when he becomes eligible, assuming the international signing rules stay the same under the to-be-completed collective bargaining agreement. 

Just last week, it appeared that the younger Soto, who is not regarded as a premium prospect, would sign with the Mets, most of all because Soto himself posted an Instagram video of him playing in full Mets gear. However, the source said that, while the Mets were one of many teams interested in signing Soto, albeit not at huge dollars, Elian Soto ultimately opted to be in the same organization as his super-accomplished brother. 

Surely the Mets and the other suitors regarded the acquisition of Elian Soto not only as an interesting lottery ticket given the bloodlines but also a conversation starter for when Juan Soto becomes a free agent after the 2024 season (as per the current rules). Scott Boras, who represents Juan Soto, is advising Elian Soto.