Padres Rumors: Insider Proposes Trade to Send Juan Soto to Boston for Former Dodgers Top Prospect
There has been plenty of talk about the Padres potentially moving on from star outfielder Juan Soto this winter. The buzz has gotten louder now that we are into the offseason, and it seems that there is a decent chance that Soto gets moved.
MLB insider Jim Bowden proposed multiple trade packages for the Padres star outfielder, and one has them sending him over to the Boston Red Sox.
"A potential Red Sox package could start with Alex Verdugo, who would immediately become the Padres’ starting left fielder. Add in starting pitcher Tanner Houck (who would go right into the Padres’ rotation) and a couple of good prospects such as outfielder Miguel Bleis and right-hander Luis Perales. Can you imagine Verdugo being a centerpiece in both the Mookie Betts trade and a potential Soto trade? I can’t either, but with Soto having only one year of control remaining, it obviously reduces the return significantly."
If the Padres are going to move Soto, they will want to get a few quality prospects in return. But getting a proven player like Verdugo, plus more may entice them even more so. Not only could he replace Soto in the outfield, but they would be able to pay him far less than they would Soto.
Verdugo also has one year left on his deal, and contract negotiations with Boston haven't gone too far. This could be a win-win of a trade for both sides, and it would help San Diego financially down the line.
Verdugo put together a solid 2023 season, hitting .264 with 13 home runs and 54 runs batted in. While he isn't on the same level as Soto, he is a quality outfielder who could provide the team with some needed relief on the salary books.
"The Red Sox need to make a splash this offseason and a Soto trade would certainly qualify. It also would take some of the pressure off the young players they’re developing, including Triston Casas, Jarren Duran and Ceddanne Rafaela."
Soto would instantly be the star that the Red Sox have been searching for since Mookie Betts left town, and he would thrive with their short porch in right field. This trade makes all the sense in the world for the Red Sox, and they would be jumping at the idea to land him.
They could extend Soto and have themselves some real firepower moving forward. All in all, this trade would work out well for both sides, and the teams may want to realistically consider getting together on a deal this winter.
