Juan Soto is one of the biggest names on the MLB offseason trading block. However, rumors of his demise in San Diego have been greatly exaggerated, according to FanSided MLB insider Robert Murray.
Soto has been the subject of rumors throughout the season. And it’s true that the Padres are listening to offers. But that doesn’t mean a trade is imminent.
“I want to make it clear that the Padres are not looking to move Juan Soto,” Murray said on the latest episode of The Baseball Insiders podcast. “If they move him, it’s an offer they can’t refuse.”
Basically, the Padres in fact, Soto’s trading is far from a guarantee. It’s not a move they’re fully invested in until late in the offseason.
Soto is headed to free agency after the 2024 season, so getting something in return for him instead of letting him leave would pique San Diego’s interest, of course.
However, it seems more like the Padres are doing their due diligence. If another team was desperate enough to propose a massive trade, San Diego would be willing to part ways. It depends entirely on whether another team makes this offer. If there isn’t an offer that’s worth it, the team won’t get rid of Soto.
All of this means Soto is still very likely to stay in San Diego for the 2024 season.
The ideal scenario for the Padres would likely involve Soto remaining with the team and working his way under new manager Mike Shildt. Shildt was the manager of the St. Louis Cardinals until 2021, when he was fired while just two seasons removed from winning the NL Manager of the Year award.
With a little victory, Soto might be more likely to sign an extension.
Soto just completed his third All-Star season. He hit a career-high 35 home runs and led the majors with 132 walks while slashing .275/.410/.519.
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