One year ago, the Washington Nationals had their sights set on bouncing back from a rough 2020 campaign. Back to the present and they’re fresh off a full-fledged midseason fire sale that saw them trade everyone not named Juan Soto — or at least it felt that way.

Speaking of Soto, the most pressing question surrounding the Nationals’ future is if and when they’re going to extend their starting right fielder. Washington shouldn’t put this off any longer: give him the dough.

Here’s why the time is now for the Nationals to extend their 23-year-old superstar.

Nationals have controllable players around Juan Soto

After trading away Max Scherzer, Trea Turner, Kyle Schwarber, Yan Gomes, Daniel Hudson, Josh Harrison, Jon Lester and Brad Hand, the Nationals became and remain an extremely raw team. In the infield, former top prospects Carter Kieboom and Luis Garcia have the chance to be everyday players next season. In the outfield, Lane Thomas and Victor Robles, who are each no older than 26, likely fill out the team’s center field depth.

Keibert Ruiz and Riley Adams, who are each no older than 25, figure to be Washington’s catching tandem. On the hill, Josiah Gray is 24, Erick Fedde is under team control for three more years and top pitching prospects Cade Cavalli and Jackson Rutledge could make their MLB debuts next season.

From a competitive standpoint, the youth movement means the Nationals have a lot of developing to do. On the other hand, they have the ability to commit to Soto for the next decade-plus. Why? The aforementioned players are under team control and in most cases are several years away from free agency.

Juan Soto stats (career): .301/.432/.550, 98 home runs and 312 RBIs across 1,612 at-bats

Patrick Corbin’s six-year, $140 million contract expires after 2024, which is when Soto is a free agent. While one figures they attempt to keep him, first baseman Josh Bell is a free agent after 2022. In short: the Nationals have a great deal of long-term payroll flexibility.