With Juan Soto reportedly expected to be traded this offseason, the Padres star’s list of suitors has continued to take shape as MLB fans anxiously await the news of his next landing spot.
As teams around the league circle the wagon on the blockbuster deal, the latest update on trade talks surfaced Friday, as The Athletic reported the Yankees and Blue Jays as two teams closely linked to a deal for Soto, 25.
Although both teams were listed, New York’s overtures appear to be the strongest at this time, though the AL East club is currently considered to be “far apart” in talks with San Diego. Still, the report named multiple players as possible trade targets based on talks, including Yankees pitchers Clarke Schmidt and Michael King, and Padres centerfielder Trent Grisham as another piece in a Soto-to-NYC trade package.
Despite the lack of progress thus far, the ongoing conversation between the Padres and the Yankees, which dates back to October, suggests the two sides could eventually reach a deal, but it remains to be seen if it will come to fruition with the Blue Jays and other teams still lurking.
Friday’s news also added another interesting wrinkle in Soto’s ongoing saga with the Padres as The Athletic reported the club remains intent on adding pitching if they offload the three-time All-Star, which could drastically impact the type of deal they can swing down the line.
“The Padres are seeking a big, multi-player return for Soto, including major-league-ready or near major-league-ready pitching, according to an official with one of the clubs interested,” the report read. “It also is possible the Padres will accept lower-level prospects if they believe those pitchers are sufficiently talented.”
