Putting together the kind of blockbuster deal that the Washington Nationals and the San Diego Padres agreed to on Tuesday is definitely not easy.
The Padres are acquiring Juan Soto and Josh Bell from the Nationals for MacKenzie Gore, C.J. Abrams, Robert Hassell III, James Wood, Jarlin Susana, and Luke Voit.
Yes, the trade is impressive from a baseball standpoint, but there are lives involved, too.
People have feelings: they worry about their future, they get attached to some places.
For example, there was a touching scene going on at Petco Park, the home of the Padres, today; as the deal went down.
“Scene in hallway at Petco Park @Padres Joe Musgrove & AJ Preller talking about the deal, MacKenzie Gore walks up. Hugs all around, Preller walks Gore out then tells me ‘that’s hardest part of the job, especially w Gore. I love that guy,’” broadcaster Todd Strain tweeted.
Scene in hallway at Petco Park @Padres Joe Musgrove & AJ Preller talking about the deal, MacKenzie Gore walks up. Hugs all around, Preller walks Gore out then tells me “that’s hardest part of the job, especially w Gore. I love that guy.” @nbcsandiego #Soto @itsFatherJoe44
— Todd Strain (@TODDSTRAINNBCSD) August 2, 2022
The Human Element
In fact, Gore had been perhaps the best pitching prospect in the game for the last two or three years.
He pitched 70 innings with the Padres this year, with a 4.50 ERA.
And imagine what is going on with Eric Hosmer.
The Padres wanted to include him in the deal but he refused, as he had a no-trade clause and doesn’t want to go to Washington.
Imagine being asked/forced to relocate, telling your family you are no longer wanted in a specific place.
That’s not insignificant.
In the specific case of Hosmer, he is now headed to Boston.
It’s not easy.
The human component can never be overlooked.
NEXT: MLB Insider Reveals The Complete Juan Soto Trade