Padres Rumors: Insider Says San Diego ‘Undecided’ on Potentially Trading Juan Soto

This offseason could get messy.

Since he broke out with the Nationals as a teenager, Juan Soto's talent has been evident to everyone including Padres GM A.J. Preller who traded for him at the 2022 trade deadline. 

However, early signs point toward San Diego possibly parting ways with the superstar outfielder given their revised financial plans in 2024. 

"They still are undecided whether to trade Juan Soto this offseason."

via Bob Nightengale, USA Today

Soto's most important accomplishment this year may not be at the plate or in the field but through his potential availability for all 162 games. 

That's not to say the Dominican superstar slumped on either side of the diamond after another All-Star campaign for the 24-year-old slugger. 

Taking pride in the healthiest season of his career to this point, his trade stock will certainly be high after another successful year should the team decide on trading him. 

The up-and-down 2023 season for the team indicated that something within San Diego's approach to team building hasn't worked. 

One casualty to the fallout could spell the end of Soto's Padres tenure after compiling another .900 OPS season and over 30 home runs once again. 

If the Friars want to replenish their diminished farm system, Soto's expiring contract could fetch close to as significant a return as it cost to originally get him to Petco Park. 

Who makes that move remains to be seen after speculation around the organization indicates Preller's job may not be safe. 

Spending heavily for the entirety of Preller's tenure, early reports suggest San Diego's payroll will significantly lessen for the 2024 season. 

One year of arbitration is all that remains on Soto's contract before he hits unrestricted free agency in 2025. 

If the team can't extend him to a significant deal, trading him may be the only option to benefit the organization in the long term no matter who's calling the shots.