The potential for a Juan Soto trade surfaced in the days leading up to the All-Star Game at Dodger Stadium, when it was reported he rejected a 15-year, $440 million contract extension from the Washington Nationals.
Prior to that point, Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo emphatically denied the club would look to trade Soto amid early speculation they could — or should — do as much in another season that will end with a sub-.500 record.
The Los Angeles Dodgers, San Diego Padres, San Francisco Giants, New York Mets, New York Yankees, St. Louis Cardinals and Texas Rangers were among the initial teams connected to the star outfielder.
More recently, the Cardinals, Dodgers and Padres were identified as the finalists. According to Jon Morosi of MLB Network, the Padres reached an agreement with the Nationals on a Soto trade and are acquiring Josh Bell as well:
Sources: #Padres and #Nationals have agreed in principle on a Juan Soto trade, with Josh Bell also going to San Diego. @MLB @MLBNetwork
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) August 2, 2022
Sources: #Nats are set to receive CJ Abrams, OF Robert Hassell III, OF James Wood, RHP Jarlin Susana for Juan Soto and Josh Bell. @MLBNetwork @MLB
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) August 2, 2022
Soto’s career with the Nationals comes to an end after making his MLB debut for the franchise in 2018. Soto finished second in National League Rookie of the Year voting, has won two Silver Slugger Awards and earned back-to-back All-Star Game selections.
Soto easily was the best player available at the trade deadline, and Padres general manager A.J. Preller was long viewed as willing to take whatever steps necessary.
Soto reflects on Scherzer and Turner trade to Dodgers
When visiting Dodger Stadium for a three-game series two weeks ago, Soto had mix feelings when reflecting on the trade that sent Max Scherzer and Trea Turner to the Dodgers at last season’s deadline.
“It was pretty tough for me,” he said. “Not only them, but all my teammates have gotten traded and stuff like that. It was pretty tough, but at the same time I was happy for them because I knew they went to a competitive team that they could go all the way and win the World Series with.
“Didn’t happen, but I’m glad that they got to experience the playoffs and all that kind of stuff. I never think about what their experience was or anything like that, because like I said, I never expected myself to be in this situation.”
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