Outfielder Juan Soto turned down a massive contract extension with the only MLB team for which he’s ever played. The deal Soto rejected was reportedly worth $440 million over 15 years. Now, trade rumors abound as he may have to be moved. Here are three possible trade destinations for Juan Soto.
1. Los Angeles Dodgers
Plainly, if there’s a high-profile player to be picked up via trades or free agency, the Dodgers are going to be in the mix to acquire them. Soto is no exception at the 2022 MLB trade deadline. They already have the highest payroll in baseball by a wide margin, but they still may get a chance to extend him for $400 million-plus.
The Dodgers really do not need any more offensive firepower, but would welcome the recent Home Run Derby champion, regardless. Los Angeles already seems unstoppable in the National League, but it won’t stop them from trying to become even more so.
2. New York Yankees
The Yankees own the best record in the entire MLB at time of writing. They have been title-starved since 2009, and want another championship to satiate their winning-obsessed fans. Soto could be the key to that if they can manage to not gut their farm system too badly for him.
His slugging prowess was on display in the Home Run Derby, as stated earlier. That could come in handy in one of the most hitter-friendly ballparks in the league. This would be the definition of a luxury move for the Yankees, but it could be the move to get the team over the hump and back to the Fall Classic.
3. St. Louis Cardinals
The Cardinals are apparently a frontrunner to grab Soto. In return, they would reportedly give back 22-year-old slugging second baseman, Nolan Gorman. There would also have to be high-value prospects attached in the deal, too, which St. Louis does not usually to give up.
But, in a lackluster NL Central and with a chance to gain momentum heading into the playoffs, Soto could be a huge boon to this franchise and the baseball-crazed fanbase. Their lineup could use some more pop to match bats with teams like the Dodgers, Mets and Braves. They also have a chance to sign him long term if they shed a bit of salary. This move makes sense.
Featured image courtesy of G Fiume/Getty Images
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