This week brought some news for New York Yankees fans.
According to SNY’s Andy Martino, the Yanks have had very preliminary discussions with the San Diego Padres about the potential availability of outfielder Juan Soto.
The Yankees ranked 25th in runs scored this season among 30 MLB teams, so the need for runs and production is evident.
Soto would contribute the two things the Yanks lack the most offensively speaking: patience and power beyond Aaron Judge.
Regarding the report that surfaced, Yankees insider Bryan Hoch said that New York should have every prospect available in conversations.
“If the Yankees have a chance to get Juan Soto (and can sign him long term), no one should be untouchable. That’s what I think, anyway!” Hoch tweeted.
If the Yankees have a chance to get Juan Soto (and can sign him long term), no one should be untouchable. That’s what I think, anyway! https://t.co/8FvCwhweJ9
— Bryan Hoch ⚾️ (@BryanHoch) October 26, 2023
The key thing here would be Soto’s willingness to sign a long-term extension upon agreeing to the trade.
So far, he has preferred to go year to year and maximize his earnings that way.
If the Yankees can convince him to sign a long-term contract immediately after being traded (like the New York Mets did with Francisco Lindor in 2021), then everybody should become available in trade conversations with the Padres.
If, however, Soto doesn’t want to sign, the Yanks should be more cautious with the players they offer, and that increases their chances of losing out on him.
At this point, the Padres are not obligated to trade Soto.
The rumors have appeared because they have stated a desire to cut payroll and that could potentially include moving Soto.
They can keep him for one last run at the World Series, though.
Soto’s developing trade market will be one of the most interesting storylines of the offseason.
NEXT: Yankees Insider Reveals Major Juan Soto Update
