Those hoping for a Juan Soto blockbuster trade this winter shouldn’t get their hopes up too high, if a new report proves true.
The Padres are coming off the most disappointing season in franchise history, finishing 82-80 just one year after reaching the NLCS. With a full year of Soto at the helm coupled with the free agent signing of Xander Bogaerts, San Diego was viewed as one of the premier World Series favorites.
Soto is entering the final season of his contract, and he stands to make $400 million-plus on his next deal. Many believe the Padres will trade Soto and try to cut payroll, but they reportedly don’t plan to do so any time soon.
According to Jim Bowden of The Athletic, a Soto trade is “more likely” to take place ahead of next year’s trade deadline, as the Padres would like to see where they sit in the standings before making a decision:
“The Padres have discussed an extension with Soto’s agent, Scott Boras, but the sides don’t appear close to a deal. Therefore, when teams come calling, the Padres have made it clear they will listen and consider offers for the three-time All-Star. But according to one major-league source briefed on the Padres’ plans, it’s more likely they hold him until next July and see where they are in the standings before deciding whether to move him. That being said, if the right offer is on the table this winter, you never know.”
The Padres gave up a king’s ransom to land Soto from the Washington Nationals ahead of the 2022 trade deadline, but it’s going to be hard for them to receive a similar return with Soto now entering his contract year.
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Of course, the Padres will have every reason to keep Soto if they’re in the playoff race leading up to next year’s deadline. Players of his caliber don’t come around often, and he could easily be the final piece needed to help this long-suffering franchise win its first World Series championship
