Grading each Padres trade: 2022 MLB Trade deadline

Juan Soto, likely target in Padres trade — PHOENIX, ARIZONA – JULY 23: Right fielder Juan Soto #22 of the Washington Nationals swings during the MLB game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field on July 23, 2022 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Rebecca Noble/Getty Images)

Acquiring OF Juan Soto, A+

An A+ may not be a high enough grade for Washington Nationals star Juan Soto. When you acquire a young superstar, you win the trade.

Soto was targeted by several teams after turning down a 15-year $440 million extension, and the Padres managed to present the best deal to land the young slugger.

Soto is currently having his worst season. However, his worst looks better than most player’s bests. He won the 2022 Home Run Derby and is hitting .246/.408/.485 for an OPS of .893.

San Diego traded quite a few players and prospects for Soto. According to NBC Sports Washington, “Washington acquired two recently graduated prospects in shortstop C.J. Abrams and starting pitcher MacKenzie Gore, as well as three minor leaguers in outfielder Robert Hassell III, outfielder James Wood and right-handed pitcher Jarlin Susana.”

Soto will play alongside Fernando Tatis Jr. and Manny Machado, which will quickly become a lineup to be feared in the league.

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