Padres Rumors: Insider Predicts Juan Soto Gets Traded to Yankees This Offseason

There seems to be a ton of smoke around this...

With the MLB offseason getting underway, the San Diego Padres have a ton of questions to answer. The biggest is what the team will do with star outfielder Juan Soto amid all the buzz about the team possibly trading him this winter. 

The most common team that seems to be linked to a Soto trade has been the New York Yankees. With all the smoke that has been surrounding this narrative, there is likely some fire to match it.

One MLB insider believes that Soto will end up in New York when all is said and done this offseason. Erik Beaston of Bleacher Report explains his prediction below. 

“Whether the Yankees have enough worthwhile pieces to convince the Padres to make the deal is the question. Considering the team's desire to "slash payroll," of which Soto is due $33 million according to MLBTradeRumors.com, it may not be as tough to convince New York, or any other interested party, to complete the transaction. Prediction: The Yankees have needs offensively and defensively and Soto fills both”

Per Erik Beaston of Bleacher Report

Getting Soto would be massive for the Yankees, especially in an offseason that followed them missing the playoffs. The team has been searching for a spark for some time now, and Soto could fit the bill.

He is still one of the best hitters in all of baseball, and he would likely resign long-term in the Bronx. This could persuade the Yankees to cough up a little more than they normally might, and the Padres could then be able to get better compensation for their star.

A Soto trade could be seen as a win-win for both sides, as the Padres do need to shed salary, and the Yankees could get a guy to be the face alongside Aaron Judge. San Diego can then use whatever pieces they would get back from this deal, and use them to build a more well-rounded team.

The Friars tried the all-in approach last season, and it backfired on them. Now, they should look to build their team around the core in place, but with more depth and better-fitted players. This could prove to be one of the biggest differences next season as they try to get back into a place of contention.