3 best things San Diego Padres manager Mike Shildt said at the MLB Winter Meetings

How Mike Shildt has been communicating with Juan Soto

Of course, one of the big stories of this offseason is if the Padres will or will not trade Soto. Either way, Shildt seems to be moving forward with his communication with the All-Star slugger as if he was going to be a part of the Padres when spring training begins.

"I've texted with Juan. I've been trying to get down to see him," Shildt said. "I've seen a lot of our players. Had dinner with Joe (Musgrove), Manny, Campy (Luis Campusano) while they were in town when I was in San Diego. Going to go see Croney (Jake Cronenworth) on Monday. He's going to take me to a nice Chicago restaurant. Looking forward to that.

"I have on this calendar to see Juan (in Miami on December 17, Shildt later said) on my way down to the Dominican.

"I've had some good texts with Juan. Think highly of him. Good relationship."

What happens next with Soto still remains a mystery. However, Shildt still having a meeting planned with him could indicate the Padres may not be so ready to move the needle on a trade just yet.