MLB Rumors: Where Will Juan Soto Be Traded? 5 Possible Destinations

Juan Soto trade rumors are heating up with the MLB trade deadline looming. Reports suggest that the Washington Nationals are serious about moving their best player by Aug. 2.

Where might Soto be traded? Let’s take a look at five realistic destinations for the superstar outfielder.

1) San Diego Padres

According to ESPN’s Buster Olney, some team executives see San Diego as the frontrunners to make a trade with the Nationals. The Padres continue to come up short in the NL West, despite adding Manny Machado, Blake Snell and Yu Darvish in recent years. San Diego needs offensive help as it tries to earn a wild-card spot. If the Padres have Soto, Machado and Fernando Tatis Jr. in the same lineup, they can become a dangerous postseason contender.

2) St. Louis Cardinals

St. Louis is viewed as a top landing spot for Soto because of the kind of trade package they can offer Washington. The Cardinals have young MLB players and prospects who can quickly help the Nationals’ rebuilding process. Rookie second baseman Nolan Gorman might be the centerpiece of a deal. Third baseman Jordan Walker, MLB.com’s No. 6 ranked prospect in baseball, could also be included in a formidable offer.

3) Texas Rangers

The Rangers showed in the offseason that they are serious about returning to contention. Texas spent a combined $500 million in free-agent contracts on Corey Seager and Marcus Semien. The Rangers still aren’t close to making the playoffs. Adding a superstar like Soto would improve their chances of competing for the AL West title in 2023 and 2024.

4) Los Angeles Dodgers

Whenever a superstar player becomes available, the Dodgers have to be considered a threat to acquire them. Even when they arguably have the best roster in baseball, Los Angeles often spares no expense in landing elite talent. The Dodgers traded for Max Scherzer and Trea Turner at last year’s deadline after coming off a World Series championship. Two years ago, L.A. traded for Mookie Betts. Why wouldn’t they go after Soto?

5) New York Mets

The Dodgers were MLB’s most willing spenders until Steve Cohen purchased the Mets. The league’s richest owner has given New York a payroll that rivals Los Angeles and there’s a thought that Cohen would be fine with approaching a record $300 million payroll if it meant bringing a title to Queens. Maybe the Nationals prefer not to trade Soto within the division, but they would have a hard time turning down the Mets’ offer if it’s by far the most appealing. New York has MLB’s top prospect in catcher Francisco Alvarez.