Padres Very Interested in Top Free Agent Outfielder Following Juan Soto Trade

A deal could come together very quickly with Juan Soto off the books.

After trading star outfielder Juan Soto to the New York Yankees, the San Diego Padres now have a massive hole in their lineup. Soto was one of the more elite players in the league last season, and replacing his production won't be easy.

However, it does seem like the front office does have a plan already in place. Mark Feinsand of MLB.com is reporting that Korean outfielder Jung-Hoo Lee is very high atop the Padres' wish list this winter.

Jung-Hoo Lee is said to be high on the Padres’ wish list, with one source saying a deal could come together quickly now that Soto’s $30M+ salary is off the books. Fernando Tatis Jr. is the only starting outfielder remaining on San Diego's roster after the trade of Soto/Grisham.

— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) December 7, 2023

Lee is a power-hitting left-hander who was recently posted to come over to the United States. While he isn't Soto, Lee could help ease the massive loss of production from the star outfielder.

Last season, he slashed .349/.421/.575 with 23 home runs. He would immediately take over in the outfield, giving San Diego another solid bat in their lineup.

Getting Lee also shouldn't completely break the bank for the Padres, either. The team has been trying to shed salary this winter — hence the Soto trade — and Lee will cost far less than what Soto would have.

According to the MLB Trade Rumors experts, Lee is predicted to receive a multi-year deal worth around $50 million. This is the kind of move that the Padres could make to get an impact player, but at a price that fits their current payroll better.

Moving Soto was never going to make the Padres want to win any less, and they will be looking all over the place to keep themselves competitive for next season. Lee could be a great addition to the outfield.