Padres Rumors: MLB Insider Provides Huge Update on Potential Juan Soto Trade

Would this make sense?

Outside of a certain player named Shohei Ohtani, the top rumors this offseason seem to revolve around Juan Soto. There is speculation that the Padres could trade the young superstar because of an inability to sign him long-term.

An MLB insider posits that all the speculation should be put to bed until after the All-Star Break.

If the Padres were to trade Juan Soto, doing so at the deadline would be more likely than in the offseason, per @ChrisKirschner pic.twitter.com/U6sc0QaF59

— B/R Walk-Off (@BRWalkoff) November 3, 2023

Whether or not this actually makes sense for the club depends entirely on their belief in this team for next year.

On paper, the Friars' lineup matches up with the best teams in the league. They have well-above-average starters, and bullpens fluctuate from year to year. It stands to reason they should compete for the West and make the playoffs.

But everyone thought that last year too.

If they believe in this team heading into 2024, then there is no reason to trade arguably the best bat in the lineup. Waiting until the trade deadline at least gives the front office more time to evaluate their chances for a deep run in October.

However, each day that they wait the price for Juan Soto gets smaller. Most teams don't mind trading for a one-year rental in the offseason because that gives them time to re-sign the player. However, only getting a few months after the deadline does not afford them that luxury.

The Padres had to include top prospect, at the time, C.J. Abrams, because they received 2.5 years of team control for Soto. 

If the front office wants a true king's ransom for Juan Soto, they are incentivized to trade him sooner rather than later. However, in doing so they lessen their chances of making the dance.

The price for keeping Soto around until the deadline comes in the form of fewer prospects or major league ready talent in return.

Juan Soto is an unrestricted free agent in 2025, and is expected to earn upwards of $400MM.