Report: NL team in ‘serious talks’ about Juan Soto trade
May 16, 2022; Miami, Florida, USA; Washington Nationals right fielder Juan Soto (22) runs to the dugout after the fourth inning against the Miami Marlins at loanDepot Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports
The Washington Nationals have signaled their willingness to trade Juan Soto ahead of the August 2 trade deadline. One team’s talks with the Nats have apparently heated up.
Z101 Digital’s Hector Gomez reported on Thursday that the San Diego Padres are in “serious talks” with the Nats. Gomez says their talks carried over from the night before.
SOURCE: The #Padres are in serious talks with the #Nationals for a Juan Soto trade for. Talks have intensified since last night.
— Héctor Gómez (@hgomez27) July 28, 2022
The Padres have been mentioned since the start as a lead contender to land Soto. They have plenty of young players to offer Washington in return.
The Padres would send to the #Nationals shortstop CJ Abrams, left-handed pitchers Mackenzie Gore and Adrian Morejon, as well as outfielders Robert Hassell III (No. 23 MLB prospect), Joshua Mears (No. 8 Padres prospect) ). https://t.co/dXn8qM95Hh
— Héctor Gómez (@hgomez27) July 28, 2022
Apparently they also are not shy about the kind of contract Soto might command. Or maybe they would just be happy having Soto for two and a half seasons before the 23-year-old becomes a free agent in 2025.
The Padres are 55-45 and due to get shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr. back soon. A lineup featuring Tatis, Soto and Manny Machado would be quite impressive. General manager A.J. Preller recognizes that, which explains his interest in making a deal.