MLB Rumors: Padres and Nationals Closing In on Blockbuster

The San Diego Padres have been rumored to be one of the favorites to land superstar Juan Soto from the Washington Nationals, and now comes word it could turn into an even bigger deal. 

As the trade deadline approaches, there is a growing sense that the Padres are the most likely landing spot for Juan Soto — and, in a twist, perhaps Josh Bell too. Multiple people have heard there’s momentum in those talks.

— Barry Svrluga (@barrysvrluga) August 2, 2022

According to Barry Svrluga of The Washington Post, the Padres are angling to get the Nationals' other big trade piece, Josh Bell, included in the deal as well. 

"Multiple people have heard there’s momentum in those talks," writes Svrluga. Jon Heyman adds that the Padres "are being aggressive."

If the potential deal between #Nationals #Padres actually goes down the Nationals return is expected to be centered around SS C.J. Abrams,OF Robert Hassell III, LHP Adrian Morejon and at least 2 others in the transaction with Josh Bell being included with Soto going the other way

— Jim Bowden⚾️ (@JimBowdenGM) August 2, 2022

The Padres would be sending a huge prospect haul to the Nationals if this goes down, including SS C.J. Abrams,OF Robert Hassell III, LHP Adrian Morejon and at least 2 others, according to Jim Bowden.

The St. Louis Cardinals and the Los Angeles Dodgers join the Padres in the Final Three of contention to land Soto, according to most insiders. 

“All three are in. It should be an exciting 24 hours,” one Nats-connected person told Heyman of The New York Post.

The Padres have already landed the best closer in baseball in a blockbuster deal on Monday for Josh Hader, and are now looking to add not only the best hitter in Soto, but a huge upgrade at first base, where their production has been sorely lacking. Bell is having a banner season, batting .301 with 14 home runs.

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