Padres Rumors: MLB Insider Pegs NL East Squad as Likely Landing Spot for Juan Soto Next Offseason
As the San Diego Padres try to climb back from their early season hole in the standings, they have a few weeks to decide how they want to play things. The trade deadline is approaching quickly and many are wondering what this team will do. They have some major players on the roster that are scheduled to be free agents this summer so trading them now if the team falls back down, could make some sense.
But it's their free agent at the end of next season that many are really wondering about. That is star outfielder Juan Soto, who is scheduled to be a free agent at the end of next season. That means that Soto has 1.5 years left of control on his deal and there are many in the industry that believe San Diego won't pay the heavy financial burden that it will take to keep Soto.
Once Soto is available, the thought is that it will be an all-out bidding spree to get him. But there is one team that makes some sense for the outfielder. MLB insider Jon Heyman gives his thoughts on the situation for the NY Post
"Could the Phillies ultimately be a fit for Juan Soto? It’s very early — he’s a year-and-a-half from free agency — but baseball people are envisioning Philadelphia as a spot that makes sense. Soto has close ties from Nationals days with hitting coach Kevin Long. And with Bryce Harper, Trea Turner and Kyle Schwarber also there, the Phillies already have a distinct Nats flavor."
If Soto were to join the Phillies, it could make some sense. They are essentially re-creating the Washington Nationals of old and Soto could help with that. He talked about how comfortable he was in Washington with many of the same players so it could happen.
Philadelphia isn't shy about paying players either and they would fork over the money to land Soto. They could create a powerful team for years to come and it's just the kind of move that the Phillies have been known to make.
