The San Diego Padres are reportedly receiving trade inquiries about their star outfielder Juan Soto, less than two years after acquiring him in a significant trade.
According to SNY’s Andy Martino, the New York Yankees have engaged in an initial conversation with the Padres about Soto, but discussions haven’t progressed further at this stage.
Soto is entering the final year of his contract in 2024, making him a free agent the following winter. Rival executives strongly anticipate that the 25-year-old could be available in the right trade deal.
The Yankees have had a preliminary conversation with the Padres about Juan Soto, per @martinonyc pic.twitter.com/24Kjtl3Quw
— Talkin' Yanks (@TalkinYanks) October 25, 2023
Padres’ general manager A.J. Preller was questioned about Soto’s future with the team earlier this month. While he mentioned the team’s first preference would be to sign him to an extension, he didn’t rule out the possibility of a trade, stating that the Padres are open to various options.
In his first full season with the Padres after being acquired from the Washington Nationals in a major trade during the 2022 deadline, Soto played in all 162 games, leading the team with 35 home runs, 109 RBI, and a .275/.410/.519 slash line. The Yankees have long sought a left-handed power hitter of Soto’s caliber.
Martino noted that although the Yankees have been hesitant to part with top prospects for established stars in recent years, this situation could differ due to the limited trade market for Soto because of his $30 million salary and the lack of a contract beyond the upcoming season.
After missing the playoffs this year, the Yankees are expected to be eager to enhance their roster during the offseason. It remains to be seen whether they can make a big move by acquiring a star like Soto.
