Padres Rumors: Trading Juan Soto a ‘Real Possibility,’ Says Friars Insider

It should be an interesting offseason for the Padres.

When the San Diego Padres traded for star outfielder Juan Soto, there was always a feeling that they would move him before he entered free agency. The team was never likely going to pay what it cost to keep him around long-term, but nobody expected the Padres to underperform this year, either.

Now, after a frustrating year for San Diego, the Friars enter the offseason with a decision to make about Soto. He will be a free agent after the year, so they would be able to get the biggest return for him if they move him this offseason. And if the team knows that they won’t be re-signing him, it’s the way to go about things this winter.

“The Padres brass, however, is already looking forward. Difficult decisions await, too, especially if the team decides to cut spending from $253.8 million, third-most in baseball, to around $200 million.”

Per Jeff Sanders of The SD Union-Tribune

One insider seems to believe that there is a good chance that the Padres will move Soto this winter. It makes too much sense for them not to, and they could replenish some assets in the farm system. 

Jeff Sanders of the San Diego Union-Tribune gives the latest on the Soto situation.

“[The Padres] must address several holes and are already at about $186 million for the 2024 season based on guaranteed contracts and the Union-Tribune’s guesstimates for their arbitration-eligible and young, salary-controlled players. There’s not a lot of room to work with. Which is why trading Juan Soto is a real possibility.”

Per Jeff Sanders of The SD Union-Tribune

Moving Soto would hurt, but it may be a needed move from this team after the season they just put together. San Diego needs to cut salary and put together a more well-rounded squad going forward. 

Soto put together a great year, hitting .275 with 25 home runs and 109 runs batted in. If the Padres were to move him, they could likely get a significant haul back. San Diego will be busy this winter to right the wrongs of this season, and it all starts with figuring out what to do with Soto.