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San Diego Padres: Grading 3 hypothetical Juan Soto trade proposals

All eyes will be on the San Diego Padres this offseason as other organizations are monitoring their next move with Juan Soto. Will he be traded or stay in San Diego long-term?

By Thomas Conroy |
San Diego Padres v Chicago White Sox
San Diego Padres v Chicago White Sox / Nuccio DiNuzzo/GettyImages
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October baseball is on the mind of those fan bases whose teams are competing for a World Series title. But for those less-than-fortunate fans whose teams are on vacation until next spring, it is time to ignite the Hot Stove League.

The offseason is home to speculating on which players could be moved in a trade. Often, the discussion centers on their value in the trade market. The San Diego Padres' biggest trade chip is Juan Soto, However, the front office is showing no sense of urgency to deal him. So, potential trade partners will have to make them “an offer that they cannot refuse.”

There has been considerable chatter on the next move with Soto. Some of the Friar Faithful argue he should be traded, while others see him as a cornerstone piece of the franchise.

The Padres management is reportedly planning to lower the team's payroll to $200 million in 2024. Thus, prioritizing which players are essential for success must be done before engaging in any potential trade discussions. Given the Padres struggles last season, unloading a bat like Soto seems counterproductive.

Despite early-season struggles, Soto has proven his worth with a respectable .275 BA, 930 OPS. 35 HRs and 109 RBI last season. His home run total was a career-high in spite of having the highest strikeout rate (18.2%) of his six-year major league career. Soto’s batting proficiency is about to pay off, as he will become a free agent at the conclusion of the 2024 season.

All offseason speculation will center on whether Soto is traded or signed to a short or long-term contract extension. Still, any potential trade must include several top prospects coming to San Diego. So, all suitors should have a deep minor league system.

Lets grade three hypothetical Juan Soto trade proposals and determine if the San Diego Padres are upgrading their roster

The New York Mets trade infielder Luisangel Acuna (#38 MLB prospect), OF Drew Gilbert (#52 MLB prospect), 3B Bret Baty and C Kevin Parada (#89 MLB prospect) for Juan Soto

Grade: B-

If the Padres decide to trade Soto, the return must upgrade the 40-man roster with young talent. The New York Mets are in dire need of more offensive punch in the lineup. Unfortunately, the names associated with a potential trade package from the Mets might not secure the services of the star outfielder.

Team owner Steve Cohen is at the point of desperation. Soto would be the ultimate catch in his attempt to win a World Series title for the team's long-suffering fan base. In any potential deal, Cohen could be willing to part with his top prospects and a young third baseman trying to find himself in the majors.

However, a trade offer of this nature may not be in the Friars' best interest. The Mets farm system lacks MLB-ready prospects. Luisangel Acuna and Drew Gilbert are quality prospects, but they may need another season of seasoning in the minors before making their MLB debut. San Diego would value Brett Baty as his ceiling remains high despite struggles at the plate in his rookie campaign (.212 BA with nine homers and 35 RBI).

The Padres want to acquire young, MLB-ready players who can make a contribution in 2024. The front office hopes to add a center fielder and a promising starting pitcher. The Mets have a thin farm system that does not meet this goal.

The New York Yankees sends OF Spencer Jones (#73 MLB prospect), RHP Chase Hampton (#96 MLB prospect), SP Clarke Schmidt and SS-3B Trey Sweeney (#9 Yankees prospect) to San Diego for Juan Soto

Grade: B

The decision to trade Soto guarantees the Padres will not recoup the same level of prospects sent to the Washington Nationals two summers ago. Still, the New York Yankees are desperate to acquire an impactful bat to protect Aaron Judge in the batting lineup. The franchise is coming off a disappointing season, and has not won a World Series since 2009.

The Friars would receive two of the top prospects (Spencer Jones and Chase Hampton) in all of baseball. However, it will take time before Jones could replace Soto in the Padres batting order. Hampton is a little more advanced in the development process than the Padres top two pitching prospects (Robbie Snelling and Dylan Lasko).

The front office must decide if they’re retooling the roster or embarking on another rebuild. The first option will require a young, controllable major leaguer included in the package.

At 27, Clarke Schmidt completed his first full season as a major league starting pitcher (9-9 with a 4.64 ERA in 32 starts). Next season could be a breakout campaign for Schmidt establishing himself as a reliable third starter in the rotation.

What might entice the Padres to part with Soto if the Yanks include the organization’s ninth-ranked prospect, Trey Sweeney. Last season, he played shortstop, but Sweeney is expected to shift to third base in the majors. Quickly, he has established himself as one of the better minor league power hitters. Scouts rave about his hand-eye coordination, which allows Sweeney to make hard contact at the plate.

It is hard to imagine the Friars accepting a package from the Yankees without Sweeney included.

The Chicago Cubs trade OF Pete Crow-Armstrong (#12 MLB prospect), RHP Cade Horton (#29 MLB prospect), OF Kevin Alcantara (#71 MLB prospect) and RHP Ben Brown (#86 MLB prospect) to San Diego for Juan Soto

Grade: A

The proposed Chicago Cubs trade interest is contingent upon them losing Cody Bellinger in free agency. Granted, the Cubs front office may not be inclined to give up a bushel of the organization’s top prospects for a rental player. But the Cubs are desperate to keep their fan’s interest, especially after the late-season collapse that cost them a Wild Card berth.

A blockbuster move like acquiring Soto would fill the seats at the friendly confines of Wrigley Field. And the Cubs could absorb the financial commitment to make the young superstar a fixture in Chicago for the next decade.

Any potential trade offer from the Cubs must include Pete Crow-Armstrong and Cade Horton. Each player has a good shot of beginning the 2024 season in the majors. Also, the Padres must receive two other prospects who could make their major league debut at some point next summer.

Considering all circumstances, the Cubs trade package could be the best offer the Friars receive this winter.

While it may be unlikely the Padres will trade Soto this offseason, it is worth checking his value on the open market. However, there is a strong possibility that no team will be a compatible trade partner.

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