Dodgers Among Top Landing Spots for Juan Soto Trade This Offseason, Per Insider

The Padres are reportedly looking to cut costs in the offseason.

Juan Soto has quickly become one of the best hitters in today's game, and at just 24 years old, he will command a hefty salary once he enters free agency after the 2024 season.

Because Manny Machado, Fernando Tatis Jr., Xander Bogaerts, Yu Darvish and Joe Musgrove are all on significant long-term deals, the Padres might not have enough to realistically bid for Soto when he hits free agency.

So, will the Padres trade their superstar this offseason? It could depend on what happens with some of baseball's current top free agents, like Shohei Ohtani. But a trade in San Diego could be imminent.

The Dodgers could be among those interested in Soto, particularly if they aren't able to land Ohtani like they seemingly hope. With plenty of money and a spot in left field, Bleacher Report's Kerry Miller considers the Dodgers a contender for a trade, but at No. 10 because they're a division rival.

Miller thinks that Arizona (No. 9) and San Francisco (No. 5) are more likely destinations than L.A. for one of the most desirable trade candidates in the 2023 offseason, should he be made available. 

"If the Padres are willing to trade Soto within the NL West, the San Francisco Giants make the most sense, and they rank in our top five as a result. But the Dodgers certainly have the money (and a vacancy in left field) to make a run at Soto. The Diamondbacks, who also have a vacancy in left with Lourdes Gurriel Jr. heading into free agency, might view Soto as the missing piece that can bring them a World Series ring in 2024."

Via Kerry Miller, Bleacher Report

Because Soto currently offers one year of service, contending teams in need of a dominant hitter (and who isn't?) could be incentivized to trade for Soto instead of sign a free-agent slugger to a long-term deal.

Free agency is upon us, but don't forget about potential blockbuster trades that the offseason always brings.