Juan Soto Trade Rumors: Padres & Yankees Had A Preliminary Discussion

All-Star outfielder Juan Soto’s trade with the San Diego Padres has been discussed briefly, according to SNY, between the New York Yankees and the Padres.

Juan Soto Trade Rumors: Padres & Yankees Had A Preliminary Discussion

Andy Martino writes on the crucial question of San Diego’s readiness to move the young slugger:

“Entering his final season prior to free agency, Soto, 25, is expected by rival executives to be available in ‘the proper deal,’ as one non-Padres and non-Yankees executive phrased it. That means that San Diego is not actively shopping Soto, but is not ruling out a move, either.”

The Juan Soto burner has been simmering for a while now, even before the World Series started. The Yankees and Padres have reportedly held preliminary discussions about moving the talented outfielder to New York, according to MLB Insider Andy Martino.

“According to league sources, the Yankees and the San Diego Padres have already had one preliminary discussion on superstar outfielder Juan Soto this winter. There hasn’t been any more discussion after that first check-in.”

Andy Martino, SNY

Soto’s last arbitration season before being eligible for free agency is 2024. The Padres want to reduce their salary by as much as 20% for the 2017 season, according to earlier sources.

In an effort to save money, Soto, who earned $23 million in 2023—a value that is expected to climb considerably in the next season—may be pushed out of his last arbitration year.

After the Yankees missed the playoffs in 2023, Soto may be a strong fit for New York, who should be looking for a left-handed hitter this offseason. Of course, the discussions seem superficial, as Martino noted.

The Yankees are in desperate need of left-handed power in addition to offensive support for ace Aaron Judge. Both demands would be more than satisfied by Soto.

Wednesday was Soto’s 25th birthday. He participated in all 162 games in 2023, hitting.275/.410/.519 with 35 home runs and an MLB-high 132 walks. With portions of six major-league seasons under his belt, Soto has amassed a career OPS+ of 157, which is an extremely exceptional mix of power and plate discipline.

 

 

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