Padres Rumors: MLB Analyst Breaks Down Top Landing Spots for Juan Soto, Including Division Rival

His new contract could reset the market.

Playing some of his best baseball of the year with just weeks remaining in the regular season, Juan Soto's future with the Padres will be the topic of discussion in the winter after the team's seen this great stretch of play from him. 

The All-Star left fielder is under contract for one more year, but if the team decides to trade him after a disappointing season, multiple teams could prove a good fit for the slugging lefty. 

Over on the MLB Network, analyst Cliff Floyd gave his thoughts on the best landing spots for Soto should he be dealt once again after coming to San Diego through trade from Washington D.C.

Best potential landing spots for Juan Soto, according to @CliffFloyd30:

1. Yankees
2. ???
3. ???#MLBTonight | @adnansvirk pic.twitter.com/BwBk4kywtl

— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) September 22, 2023

Coming in at the second and third spots were the Arizona Diamondbacks and Seattle Mariners, while the top spot was taken by the New York Yankees.

For the Yankees, they've never been shy in spending the big bucks for top-level talent.

After a lackluster season, New York may want to improve their lineup in the immediate future and with young pieces such as Anthony Volpe, Jasson Dominguez and others, a deal to replenish the farm system could be on the way for the Padres. 

Arizona is building something great after hitting on many of their draft picks in recent years and could use Soto's talents in their lineup to help Corbin Carroll and co. to become true playoff contenders. 

Though holding onto a Wild Card spot, prospects from the desert could also entice GM AJ Preller to move on a trade should Soto reject an extension with San Diego. 

If Soto opts for Seattle, the draw is obvious as Julio Rodriguez is one of the game's youngest and biggest stars, and could make for a superstar Dominican duo in the Mariner outfield for a decade. 

Preferably, Soto stays a Friar, but as 2023 has shown, nothing is truly guaranteed for the Padres nor any other franchise.