San Diego Padres rumors: Why you shouldn't count on a Juan Soto extension any time soon

One of the biggest questions at the MLB trade deadline was if the San Diego Padres were going to keep Juan Soto. Now that we know the answer to that question, the next one becomes, "Will the Padres extend Juan Soto?"

With still a year of team control left, there is no rush to offer an extension to Soto. However, there are already rumors floating out there that talks about an extension may start up in the very near future.

San Diego Padres rumors: Why an extension for Juan Soto may not happen any time soon

While these rumors may be starting, there are plenty of reasons why Padres fans shouldn't pay too much attention to them just yet, according to FanSided's MLB insider, Robert Murray.

“Soto turned down $440 million from the Washington Nationals last year, a clear indicator that he and his agent, Scott Boras, want to establish his value on the free-agent market," Murray told Friars on Base after the above rumor surfaced. "That’s how Boras operates with all of his players, and it’s unimaginable that he would change course with Soto. I don’t know if the report about the Padres planning to make an extension offer is right - it initially didn’t pass the smell test - but Soto will almost certainly test free agency in the winter of 2024."

There's little doubt that Boras will make sure his player gets the best deal possible, and that will likely involve Soto testing the free agent market after the 2024 campaign. This is an interesting thought to consider when the 2024 MLB trade deadline approaches. Could the Padres sell on Soto then if contract talks will be out of budget?

A high price tag for Soto is also something to consider when the offseason begins as the Padres are expected to be one of the suitors for Shohei Ohtani if he indeed hits free agency. It's unlikely the Padres could afford the projected price tags for both Soto and Ohtani, so could the franchise have to choose between the two this offseason?

If Padres fans thought the rumors about Soto's future in San Diego were intense in 2023, it sounds like they could be leveled up even more during the 2024 campaign.