Padres rumors: MLB executives voted Padres most likely to land Juan Soto

The San Diego Padres have been considered one of the most invested teams in trading for Washington Nationals slugger Juan Soto, according to ESPN insider Buster Olney. Now, according to an MLB.com executive vote, they’re the most likely team to acquire him.

“MLB.com polled 17 front-office executives about their thoughts on the Soto situation, getting an inside look at the way decision-makers are viewing this superstar sweepstakes.” -Mark Feinsand, via MLB.com

The Nationals are making it difficult for any team to acquire Soto, but the Padres have several prospects and players they could use in a trade package that may be enticing to the Nationals.

The Padres may have an advantage in a Juan Soto trade with their prospects

The Padres have several top prospects in MLB. Some of the best prospects to include in a trade package would be Luis Campusano, Robert Hassell III and Eguy Rosario.

Hassell and Campusano are both on MLB Pipeline’s Top 100 Prospects list. Hassell ranks 23rd and Campusano ranks 54th.

All three prospects hit with decent power, which is important in replacing Soto. Soto is the power hitter of the Nationals and won the 2022 Home Run Derby.

Hassell is hitting .308/.387/.475 for an OPS of .862 and an isolated power of .167 at High-A this season. He has great walk and strikeout percentages (11.1 and 18.1). He also played in the All-Star Futures Game. He’s had great early success and would likely be the most enticing prospect the Padres could offer.

Campusano is currently playing at Triple-A. He’s been called up to MLB a few times but has played more consistently in MiLB after facing an injury. This season, he’s hitting .305/.373/.460 for an OPS of .833 and an isolated power of .155.

Rosario also plays at Triple-A and is hitting .279/.365/.494 for an OPS of .859 and an isolated power of .215. He typically plays third base, but he also occasionally plays shortstop and second base, so he’d be a good option in terms of versatility.