A Small Simmer On The Stove? The Yankees And Padres Have Reportedly Progressed To Exchanging Names In a Deal Involving Juan Soto
Denis Poroy. Getty Images.Finally we have SOME baseball news surrounding a major trade target/free agent this offseason. All has been quiet short of Nola going back to Philly, Arizona acquiring Geno Suarez, and Yamamoto officially getting posted. With the Winter Meetings quickly approaching next week it's time the stove heats up a bit. Let's talk about the smallest piece of news possible and have some fun.
Andy Martino from SNY gave us a little update regarding the Yankees and Juan Soto. Interested? Let's dive in.
Talks between the Yankees and the San Diego Padres about a Juan Soto trade have progressed to the point of exchanging names on players, league sources say. San Diego’s initial ask was very high -- understandably so -- and the teams are not close to an agreement.
While the exact names are not known, the Padres are said to be looking at top prospects/rookies like Jasson Dominguez and Anthony Volpe, young major league pitchers in the Michael King/Clarke Schmidt category, and more. That is standard behavior at the beginning of trade talks for a superstar player. It was also standard behavior for the Yankees to say no, but want to keep talking.
The Yankees recognize Soto as a perfect fit for their needs (with the small-ish caveat that Yankee Stadium’s large left field calls for a plus defender, which Soto is not), and are determining what they would give up for a one-year rental.
So what does exchanging names mean here in terms of seriousness? Let's just say everyone needs to keep it together and breathe. This simply means both sides have picked up the phone and gotten to the point where players were discussed. It's definitely not nothing, but it's also not a signal for fireworks. We don't know any of the names. We have no idea if any players were solidified to be in the deal. We don't know interest level. It's as little of an update as it gets, but what it does confirm is that the Yankees and Padres are in discussion to some degree on a Soto deal. Unlike Bryce Harper and Corey Seager there's been actual contact and interest expressed with acquiring the Padres superstar. To me that's a sigh of relief, but by no means a sign to jump for joy. We're very, very early here.
If Soto is truly available, and he is, there cannot be a scenario where the Yankees don't go out and get him. With the closing windows of Judge and Cole, you must do everything in your power to make this team as good as it can be right now. No prospect can stop you from acquiring him. This team has no luxury of time with hoping a young player blossoms into an impact player. As I've said recently, adding Juan Soto doesn't solve all your problems, but my god does it change the conversation and vibe around this team. Go get him. Be the Yankees and trade for the best player available.
As for the compensation. I'm tired of seeing anyone on Twitter not want to give up a certain prospect for Soto. Is it not clear how good Juan Soto is at baseball? I thought we were on the same page. This is a generational hitter. If this type of player becomes available and hitting is a need for your team you need to go and get him, even if you don't have the assurance of a contract extension. You find a way to make it happen.
Every prospect should be available and that includes Anthony Volpe. Now I don't believe it will cost a Volpe or Dominguez because the Padres have their backs against the wall here with their clear mission to cut payroll. Why wouldn't the Padres ask for the best prospects to begin negotiations? It would be idiotic if they didn't, but that sure as hell doesn't mean that's what it'll end up being. I'm thinking the haul will be some young pitchers (like Drew Thorpe, Will Warren, Clarke Schmidt, and/or Michael King) and maybe a second or third tier minor league hitting prospect.
As of now the Yankees are the only team you're hearing anything from. Let's keep it that way. I need Juan Soto in my life yesterday, get it done. If Aaron Judge is truly in Hal's ear as much as we're being led to believe then you have to believe he's pushing him with all his energy to make Juan Soto a Yankee. That's at least what my dumb brain is tricking itself into believing.