MLB Insider: Potential New York Mets Trade Target Will '100 Percent' be Dealt

The New York Mets could potentially make an impact trade this offseason that would exceed their blockbuster deal for shortstop Francisco Lindor from three years ago.

It sounds like San Diego Padres superstar Juan Soto will be traded this offseason.

According to ESPN insider Buster Olney, there is a "100 percent" chance that Soto is going to be traded this winter.

Olney told The Michael Kay Show that Soto will "absolutely" be dealt ahead of the 2024 season.

"Absolutely, 100% he's going to be traded before the season" - @Buster_ESPN on Juan Soto
— The Michael Kay Show (@TMKSESPN) November 10, 2023

ICYMI: Will Soto be traded before the season starts? @Buster_ESPN thinks so pic.twitter.com/B9uOpFIU6q
— The Michael Kay Show (@TMKSESPN) November 10, 2023

Soto is entering his final year of arbitration, where he is projected to make $33 million.

This price tag is more than realistic for Steve Cohen and the Mets, who have the capital to be able to lock up Soto to a long-term contract.

The Padres on the other hand, are attempting to cut down from the $255 million payroll they had in 2023. San Diego also took out a $50 million loan to cover their costs, per The Athletic.

"All you have to do is look at the math," Olney said. "If, in fact, the Padres are going to get their payroll down to $200 million, to $220, which would be a massive reduction, they're going to have to make a move with Soto."

The Padres and Soto have talked about a long-term contract extension, but aren't close, per Jim Bowden of The Athletic.

Unlike Manny Machado, Xander Bogaerts, Joe Musgrove and Yu Darvish, the Padres have a moveable contract in Soto.

"Those are massive contracts that just can't be moved, so I do think Soto's going to be moved," Olney said. "People in other front offices absolutely believe the Padres are going to trade Soto."

According to Bowden, the Padres have made it clear to other teams that they will listen on trade offers for Soto.

However, Padres general manager A.J. Preller said earlier this month that the club's first path is to extend Soto.

After a disappointing 75 win season, the Mets could use more star power and that's exactly what they'd be getting in Soto. By adding Soto, they'd have a strong middle of the order with the superstar outfielder, Pete Alonso and Francisco Lindor.