Alfonso Soriano is still a Washington National. For this season, at least.

After what we assume were some intense negotiations with over a dozen teams, Jim Bowden failed to trade the Nats’ star left fielder. The 4 p.m. trading deadline came and went without a deal for Soriano, or any other Nationals for that matter. As a waiver-wire trade will be logistically impossible to complete, Soriano will stay with the Nationals for the remainder of this season, becoming a free agent at the season’s end.

The Nationals have announced their intent to sign Soriano to a long-term contract, and Soriano has in turn expressed his desire to stay in the city that has embraced him. However, it appears extremely unlikely that the Nationals will be able to reach such an agreement. Soriano figures to make $65 million over 5 years on the open market, well below the Nats’ offer at $50 million over 5 years. Another point of contention is president Stan Kasten’s refusal to grant no-trade clauses, a contract perk that Soriano is seeking.

Photo by Scott Abelman