Yankees Fan-Favorite Reportedly Mentioned As Possible Trade Piece For Juan Soto

New York could end up landing one of the best players in baseball this offseason

The New York Yankees reportedly have held discussions with the San Diego Padres for a possible blockbuster deal.

San Diego may end up trading away generational slugger Juan Soto this offseason and the Yankees already have checked in about the possibility of landing the star. It's unclear how far talks have progressed and if a deal even will happen, but New York at least is doing its due diligence. 

It's too early to tell exactly what a trade would look like. But, if the Yankees can complete a deal, fan-favorite first baseman Anthony Rizzo reportedly could be included, according to SNY's Andy Martino. 

"It is almost impossible to imagine the Yankees swapping Anthony Volpe or Jasson Domínguez for one year of any player," Martino said. "But the team does have high-end prospects and rookie depth in Austin Wells, Oswald Peraza, and Everson Pereira. The Yanks like all of those players, but would obviously have to trade someone of value for Soto.

"One rival official unaffiliated with the Yankees and Padres also wondered if the Yankees could include a veteran like first baseman Anthony Rizzo in a Soto deal because the Padres are not rebuilding. Rizzo has a year remaining on his contract, then a club option for 2025. He has a limited no-trade clause; the teams are not known."

New York acquired Rizzo from the Chicago Cubs in 2021 and he has been with the club ever since after re-signing with New York as a free agent. He still has a year left on his deal but could be an interesting trade candidate. Rizzo will make $17 million in 2024 and could be an intriguing name for the Padres because he isn't very expensive and could help shore up their infield. 

Rizzo has been a fan-favorite since joining the Yankees but his days in New York could be numbered if the Yankees somehow could land Soto.