If Soto truly is on the trade market this offseason, and recent reports indicate that the Padres are not outright denying the possibility, the Yankees should be all over this. He would be a difference-maker that would rejuvenate a lineup that struggled in 2023.

According to reports, the San Diego Padres intend to reduce their budget this summer, and one option is to move Juan Soto, who will likely earn more than $30 million next season, his final arbitration year before entering free agency. The Padres paid a high price to acquire Juan Soto from the Washington Nationals in 2022, and they could try to extend him this winter, but it appears doubtful. Unless they receive a large extension offer, Scott Boras clients normally become free agents.

Also, although they have become more frugal in recent years, the Yankees have shown that when they really want a player, they will go the extra length to secure them. That is demonstrated by the Gerrit Cole and Aaron Judge contracts. If a trade for Soto is completed, it would be pretty safe to assume that Hal Steinbrenner is planning on offering Soto what it takes to stay in the Bronx.

The Yankees have plenty of prospects and even major league talent to offer in a trade, let’s get to the perfect trade Brian Cashman and the Yankees must offer the Padres for Juan Soto.

Yankees send P Clarke Schmidt, P Chase Hampton, OF Spencer Jones, OF Everson Pereira, P Jhony Brito to Padres for OF Juan Soto

It may surprise some that players like Jasson Dominguez or Anthony Volpe are not in this proposal, but for one year of Soto at over $30 million, this is a very strong offer. If the Padres were to trade Soto, they would likely look for outfield and pitching help, especially with Blake Snell and Josh Hader likely leaving in free agency this winter. They are getting just that in this deal.

This trade would give San Diego a middle of the rotation starter, three top 100 prospects, along with a controllable relief pitcher. Every one of the players in this deal have either reached the majors or are relatively close. So the Padres would still be able to compete.

Clarke Schmidt would immediately slot into the Padres’ rotation. He showed tremendous growth as a starter last season and is entering his first year of arbitration in 2024, according to Spotrac. Chase Hampton is the top pitching prospect in the Yankees’ organization. A Soto trade would likely require either Hampton or Drew Thorpe, another top 100 pitching prospect. However, it seems like Hampton would have more value. Both prospects finished the 2023 season in Double-A, so they are not far off from making MLB debuts.

It may surprise some that players like Jasson Dominguez or Anthony Volpe are not in this proposal, but for one year of Soto at over $30 million, this is a very strong offer. If the Padres were to trade Soto, they would likely look for outfield and pitching help, especially with Blake Snell and Josh Hader likely leaving in free agency this winter. They are getting just that in this deal.

Spencer Jones and Everson Pereira, the outfielders included in the transaction, are both top 100 prospects. According to Baseball Reference, Pereira made his debut with the Yankees in 2023, playing only 27 games and faltering. He is, however, a competent defender with a reputation for hitting the ball powerfully, so he has a lot of potential. The swing and miss rates are a source of concern.

This trade would give San Diego a middle of the rotation starter, three top 100 prospects, along with a controllable relief pitcher. Every one of the players in this deal have either reached the majors or are relatively close. So the Padres would still be able to compete.

Clarke Schmidt would immediately slot into the Padres’ rotation. He showed tremendous growth as a starter last season and is entering his first year of arbitration in 2024, according to Spotrac. Chase Hampton is the top pitching prospect in the Yankees’ organization. A Soto trade would likely require either Hampton or Drew Thorpe, another top 100 pitching prospect. However, it seems like Hampton would have more value. Both prospects finished the 2023 season in Double-A, so they are not far off from making MLB debuts.