In one of the most talked about deals in all of sports, (aside from Tiger Woods walking away from a potential $800 million), the San Diego Padres have acquired Nationals slugger Juan Soto in a blockbuster trade.
Padres trade for Nationals Juan Soto
The chance to acquire a player of Juan Soto's caliber has been referred to as a once-in-a-generation event and has been a source of much talk and speculation in the sports world.
Soto, 23, a two-time All-Star outfielder, is one of the best sluggers in baseball, winning this year's Home Run Derby. He turned down a recent offer from the Nationals of a whopping $440 million, 15-year extension contract, CBSSports reported
However, in a potential trade deal, most teams did not have the requisite young talent Washington was looking for in exchange for its major star player who wasn't eligible for free agency until after the 2024 season, ESPN reported.
But now, apparently, that's changed.
The Nationals decided against raising the dollar amount or renegotiating to hold onto Soto; instead, they decided to entertain a number of trade offers from various teams. It came down to a final three of the Los Angeles Dodgers, St. Louis Cardinals, and San Diego Padres who struck up terms that matched up with Washington's desire to acquire young talent, according to reports.
The San Diego Padres and the Washington Nationals have reached an agreement to acquire outfielder Juan Soto, the biggest name on the MLB market just ahead of the 3 PM PT deadline on the West Coast.
What did the Padres give and the Nationals get for Soto?
In addition to Juan Soto, the Padres will get first baseman Josh Bell, NBC San Diego reported.
Bell, 29, was selected by the Pirates in the second round of the 2011 MLB draft. He finished the 2021 season batting .261/.347/.476 with 27 home runs and 88 RBIs in 144 games.
Nationals acquire 6 players for Soto and Bell
According to reports, the trade package for Soto will send the following six players to Washington:
-Eric Hosmer, 32, golden glove and silver slugger award-winning first baseman who has no-trade protection.
-C.J. Abrams, shortstop and former top prospect, 2019 first-rounder.
-MacKenzie Gore, rookie left-handed pitcher and 2017 No. 3 pick.
-Robert Hassell III, promising minor league outfielder and 2020 first-round selection.
-James Wood, rising minor league outfield standout.
-Jarlin Susana, hard-throwing 2022 international signee right-handed pitcher.