As the off-season unfolds, speculation arises about the possibility of the San Diego Padres trading Juan Soto.
The team aims to streamline its payroll to approximately $200 million for the upcoming season, and given Soto’s estimated $33 million arbitration salary, trading him could significantly contribute to this financial goal.
Currently, the Padres’ payroll hovers around a projected $198 million, considering Soto’s presence. However, the team faces the challenge of replacing key free agents Josh Hader and Blake Snell.
While the Padres could opt for a contract extension with Soto instead of pursuing a trade, the allure of using him as either a foundational player or a valuable trade asset remains.
Soto’s standout performance as the best hitter on the team and a top-10 hitter in the league during the 2023 season makes him a sought-after commodity.
In this context, three potential trade scenarios involving Soto are explored, with a specific focus on the New York Yankees.
New York Yankees as a Viable Destination: Despite limited payroll flexibility, the Yankees express interest in acquiring Soto to enhance their left-handed batting lineup.
However, the financial intricacies of the trade pose challenges. Questions arise about whether the acquiring team would take on Soto’s entire 2023 contract, if San Diego would adjust his $33 million salary for a better return, or if a contract from the acquiring team could be included to sweeten the deal.
Considering Yankees GM Brian Cashman’s acknowledgment that Giancarlo Stanton’s injury susceptibility might lead to further issues, Stanton becomes a potential trade piece.
Stanton is set to earn $118 million over the next four seasons, with a club option at $25 million for 2028. The Padres might be enticed by adding Stanton’s power to their lineup, but additional prospects would likely be required, given Soto’s age and the financial burden.
In a potential package involving Stanton, the Yankees could offer prospects like #5 prospect Drew Thorpe and #28 prospect Edgar Barclay. Thorpe, a 23-year-old pitcher, demonstrated success in his first pro season, while Barclay excelled in Double-A but faced challenges in Triple-A.
Despite the valuation potentially favoring the Yankees due to Stanton’s inclusion, the trade could be a calculated risk for the Padres, providing depth and a win-now mentality, considering the uncertainty of Soto’s re-signing with the Yankees beyond the season.
Baseball Trade Values suggests that one year of Juan Soto is valued slightly higher than the Yankees’ #2 prospect Jasson Dominguez, sparking speculation about a potential one-for-one deal.
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