San Diego Padres Lead Race To Acquire 2019 World Series Champion

KEY POINTS

The San Diego Padres are leading the race for the services of Juan Soto
The New York Yankees may have the money that will allow them to acquire Juan Soto
The Padres may be forming a lethal combination featuring Soto and Fernando Tatis Jr.

The Washington Nationals are waiting on offers from MLB teams interested in two-time All-Star Juan Soto.

Several teams have been mentioned such as the New York Yankees, New York Mets and San Diego Padres.

However, it appears the Padres have emerged as favorites in the chase for the 2019 World Series champion.

According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, San Diego has become the early favorite to land Soto.

Given the massive contract that the Dominican is asking for, the Padres would have to give up big assets to land the 23-year-old outfielder.

One name that comes to mind is Fernando Tatis Jr.

It would be a sensible blockbuster swap that makes sense. However, an unnamed person familiar with the situation has a different take, alleging that the Padres could be trying to whip up something to pair Soto and Tatis.

Should that be the case, San Diego would have to come up with a different mix to offer to the Nationals for a Soto deal to push through.

Theoretically, other names that the Padres could offer include the likes of C.J. Abrams and MacKenzie Gore.

But it may take more than those two names and several other prospects to get a deal done.

As far as the Yankees, there is no denying that they could benefit immensely from acquiring the two-time All-Star.

He would be potential insurance should Aaron Judge decide to move out at some point.

Money-wise, New York could also have the finances to hand Soto the money he is asking.

As of this writing, nothing has been set in stone.

It will be recalled that the Dominican turned down a 15-year, $440 million offer by the Nationals.

From here, word got out that the Nationals would listen to offers for the All-Star outfielder, who is allegedly seeking a long-term deal worth $500 million.

The future of Soto will likely gain some clarity by the August 2 trade deadline.

The Nationals' offer was also considered more than generous, especially considering that he could have become the highest-paid player in baseball history.