MLB Rumors: Juan Soto To Go On Trade Block; 3 Potential Landing Spots

Changes are obviously on the horizon in San Diego, with the Padres allowing manager Bob Melvin to interview for the San Francisco Giants job. He obviously will not be back. 

The team had a massively disappointing season, after another huge spending spree last winter. The news this fall is that superstar Juan Soto — an impending free agent after next season — will be on the trade block. According to Insider Bob Nightengale: 

Several GMs are now predicting that the Padres have no choice but to trade outfielder Juan Soto after their horrific season, particularly having no TV deal and Soto seeking at least $500 million in free agency after the 2024 season.  

On that note, let's have a look at three teams who are expected to be seriously in the bidding for Soto: 

Chicago Cubs:

According to a report from Cubs reporter Michael Cerami, "I’ve heard from multiple sources that the Cubs’ interest in Juan Soto this offseason is real."

A lot might depend on whether the Cubs are able to throw gobs of money at Cody Bellinger to re-sign with them, but there's no doubt that the Cubs have the assets to offer the Padres, as their farm system is currently ranked in the Top 5 in the majors, by some accounts as high as No. 2. 

New York Mets

MLB Insider Jeff Passan recently opined, “The Mets are a scary possibility for Juan Soto & I think the Mets probably are in a better position to offer prospects to go out & get him because I think Mets ownership has shown the aptitude & desire to sign guys like Soto long-term.”

Passan is well-connected, and makes some great points. The Mets won't be down for long, not with billionaire Steve Cohen calling the shots. They even unloaded tons of salary this year with the trades of Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander.

Soto could be the centerpiece for their next World Series contending team.

Philadelphia Phillies

An organization that has never shied away from going after big-time star players at a big-time cost, the Phillies are more than familiar with Soto from the five years he spent torturing them in the NL East division. 

As well, there are plenty of connections for Soto with the Phillies. Hitting coach Kevin Long held the same position with the Nationals when Soto and the Nats won the 2019 World Series; Soto was teammates with Bryce Harper and Trea Turner for several years in Washington as well. Certainly a comfortable spot for him to land, with an upper hand at re-signing him. 

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