Padres Rumors: Former All-Star Pitcher Being Discussed Within Juan Soto Trade Talks

Trade talks seem to be heating up!

Right now it seems that we have two AL East teams competing for San Diego Padres star outfielder Juan Soto. The New York Yankees have long thought to be the landing spot for Soto, but recently, the Yankees rival, Toronto Blue Jays, have emerged as a serious threat for him.

San Diego is looking for both MLB-ready talent and prospects in any deal, and their asking price is quite high. They would love to acquire young starting pitching help as well, given that they are in desperate need of it themselves this offseason.

MLB insider Jon Heyman is reporting that former All-Star starting pitcher Alek Manoah's name has come up within Soto trade talks with the Blue Jays.

Alek Manoah’s name has come up in Juan Soto trade talks with the Padres. Could be a good change of scenery guy.

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 4, 2023

Manoah didn't perform well whatsoever in 2023, posting an ERA of 5.87 over 19 starts. He was sent down to the minor leagues during the season, and it really affected things between himself and the Blue Jays organization.

He was great for the Blue Jays in 2022, posting an ERA of 2.24 for the season. Manoah made his first All-Star team and finished third in the American League Cy Young Award race as well. 

The talent is still there for Manoah and a change of scenery could be exactly what he needs. San Diego has been great at helping pitchers, and maybe Manoah could see his career turn around with the Friars.

How Manoah would help the Padres going forward?

The Padres likely are asking for Manoah within any potential deal with the Blue Jays because they view him as a solid bounce-back candidate. He still has elite stuff on the mound and could provide San Diego with cheap starting pitching help moving forward.

The former first-round pick still has four years of control left on his contract, giving the Padres a ton of flexibility. With the team looking for starting pitching help and trying to shed salary simultaneously, Manoah could do the trick nicely. 

These trade talks remain very fluid, and things could change at any time. But it feels like a Soto trade will happen much sooner rather than later this winter.