Juan Soto Trade Rumors: Ranking the Top 5 Potential Destinations
Juan Soto Trade Rumors: Ranking the Top 5 Potential Destinations
The Washington Nationals look like they will be losing another star outfielder. After losing Bryce Harper after the 2018 season, just a few years later they are likely going to have to trade Juan Soto after he reportedly turned down a $440 million contract from the Nats this week.
The Nationals, who are in a desperate spot for a rebuild will look to acquire some pieces for the future but where will they come from? Here's our top five potential destinations for Juan Soto.
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5. Blue Jays
According to Buster Olney, many around the game can see the Blue Jays going all in for Juan Soto. The Jays on paper were supposed to be this great offensive team but they've gotten off to a slow start and have struggled to score runs. It's just essentially Valdimir Guerrero Jr. and George Springer while the likes of Bo Bichetter, Matt Chapman, and others struggle. What may hold them back is the farm system and not having the prospects for it.
4. Padres
The San Diego Padres still have a deep farm system, one of those prospects being C.J. Abrams. Abrams is blocked by Fernando Tatis Jr. so it would make sense to trade him for an asset and there is no bigger asset on the market than Soto. A lefty bat to go with Manny Machado and Fernando Tatis would go a long way to making the middle of this Padres order a dominant threat.
3. Mets
When you have the wealthiest owner in sports you will likely find that team being linked to every big player. First, it was trading for and extending Francisco Lindor, then the addition of Max Scherzer this past offseason. Soto would provide a lefty power bat to complement the power of Pete Alonso from the right side. The Mets may struggle with a trade package but they can make Soto a very wealthy man.
2. Dodgers
The Dodgers landing another star outfielder? Yes, with the likes of Cody Bellinger, Max Muncy, and Gavin Lux struggling it might just be the move for them. You're not going to move Mookie Betts out of right field but Soto in left would be a really nice addition to this team that is still going all in. Plus, the Dodgers have the fifth-ranked farm system in order to make a move of this caliber.
1. Yankees
The thought of Juan Soto and the short porch in right field is a scary, scary thought. The Yankees need a lefty bat, not Joey Gallo to go with the righty power bats that they already have. Plus, if it really came down to choosing between Aaron Judge or Juan Soto long-term, Soto because of his age would make the most sense. A Soto and Giancarlo Stanton one-two punch in that order would be insane but if Hal Steinbrenner wants to channel his father George, he could just pony up and pay the luxury tax to keep all three of these guys in his outfield.