By Matt Hladik The Washington Nationals tried to sign outfielder Juan Soto to a long-term contract before the start of the MLB lockout, to no avail. Soto confirmed to ESPN’s Enrique Rojas that he and his representatives turned down the offer. The 23-year-old star isn’t set to hit free agency until 2025. “But right now, me and my agents think the best option is to go year after year and wait for free agency. My agent, Scott Boras, is in control of that situation,” Soto said. “Anyway, in my mind I still have Washington as a place I’d like to spend the rest of my career. We’ll see.” Well, Soto mi…