The San Diego Padres made noise at the trade deadline in 2022 when they acquired slugger Juan Soto from the Washington Nationals.
Soto was added to a lineup that already featured Manny Machado in the middle of the order.
The 24-year-old was a key part of the Nationals run to the World Series in 2019.
This week, players and teams are exchanging salary figures and attempting to work out contracts for the 2023 season in order to avoid arbitration.
Today, Soto and the Padres reached an agreement on a contract for the upcoming season.
According to Jon Heyman, Soto will be making $23 million.
Juan Soto, Padres agree: $23M
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) January 13, 2023
Soto hit .242 with 27 home runs and helped lead the Padres to the NLCS in 2022.
But this is a significant hike from the $17.1 million Soto and the Nationals had agreed upon last season.
Several deals have been reached already today.
In addition to his World Series ring, Soto is a two-time All-Star, a Home Run Derby champion, and a three-time Silver Slugger.
Soto also has won a Batting Title.
But for now, he’s earned himself a nice payday for 2023.
He, Machado, and Fernando Tatis Jr. will form a deadly middle-of-the-order combination for a team with World Series aspirations.
The Padres won 89 games and captured the second National League Wild Card spot.
They eliminated the New York Mets and the Los Angeles Dodgers to reach the NLCS, where they fell short against the Philadelphia Phillies.
Soto will not be a free agent until 2025, but the Padres are in a good position to negotiate a contract extension with the slugger.
NEXT: The Padres Lineup Looks Much Improved In 2023