A new report reveals that the New York Yankees’ conversations with the San Diego Padres about a Juan Soto trade took a huge step forward recently and talks seem to be intensifying quickly.
While the recent reports suggested the Yankees would look to be a bit more conservative with their spending this offseason all indications are that they are still looking to make some big splashes in either MLB free agency or on the trade market over the next couple of months.
Japanese ace Yoshinobu Yamamoto is, arguably, the top name in the free agent market behind countryman Shohei Ohtani and New York has been linked to a pursuit of both over the last couple of months. Furthermore, the biggest name on the trade block, Juan Soto, is another player that is supposedly on the organization’s radar.
The ladder star seems to be their top priority and also the player they may have the best chance of landing.
New York Yankees record (2023): 82-80
Last month it was reported that the two teams had preliminary discussions about a potential deal. But since then there has just been hear-say and speculation. However, on Wednesday SNY MLB insider Andy Martino delivered an update that makes it seem like a Juan Soto trade to the Yankees is inside the red zone.
- Juan Soto stats (2023): .275 AVG, .410 OBP, .519 SLG, 35 HR, 109 RBI, 97 R
“Talks between the Yankees and the San Diego Padres about a Juan Soto trade have progressed to the point of exchanging names on players, league sources say,” Martino wrote. “San Diego’s initial ask was very high — understandably so.”
Related: New York Yankees reportedly not in on Shohei Ohtani for one big reason
It must be noted that Martino claimed a deal is not close, but if they are talking potential players that is a notable progression in discussions. Star prospects Jasson Dominguez, Anthony Volpe, Michael King, and Clarke Schmidt would likely be at the top of the list for the Padres in a deal for the three-time All-Star.
The Yankees were reportedly heavily scouting and interested in Soto when he was up for grabs during the 2022 MLB trade deadline and he fills many weaknesses the lineup and defense had this past season.
