San Diego lost players like Blake Snell, Josh Hader, and Juan Soto as a result of having to reduce salaries. In a historic transaction that brought Michael King to town, San Diego sent Soto to the New York Yankees after both Snell and Hader left in free agency. Along with other players, San Diego acquired Drew Thorpe, who they later traded to the Chicago White Sox in exchange for Dylan Cease.
The Padres had to make some difficult choices, but it seems like everything worked out. With a 93-69 record, San Diego finished second in the National League West in 2024, having a far stronger season.
The Padres must now start again from scratch. Although San Diego is in a strong position, an aggressive club wouldn’t be shocking. Soto will be a free agent at the end of the 2024 season, which is one of the reasons San Diego moved him.
R.J. Anderson of CBS Sports shockingly did not rule out a reunion, calling San Diego a “dark horse” option for him. He will be the best choice available in free agency.
“It’s reasonable to assume the line for Soto’s services begins in New York,” Anderson stated. Two of the last three teams standing, the Yankees and the Mets, are anticipated to compete in the auction. Every New York team has the potential to provide Scrooge McDuck-style wealth in addition to the opportunity to be a consistent contender in a huge market.
“The San Francisco Giants and the Washington Nationals are the teams most frequently associated with Soto outside of New York…Or not? The Toronto Blue Jays, Chicago Cubs, Boston Red Sox, Philadelphia Phillies, and Padres are all noteworthy dark horses.
