Free agents Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, both Japanese stars, have been the center of attention during the MLB offseason. Yamamoto is coveted by all clubs but is only within reach of a select few.

However, not all of the most desirable A-listers sign with teams through free agency. The rumors around the San Diego Padres outfielder Juan Soto’s potential trade are gaining momentum in that area.

Padres had a rough year

The Padres’ disappointing 2023 season, in which they went into debt to meet salaries despite a strong team, contributed to their failure to reach the playoffs. Because of this, the California club may have to make changes to their 2024 budget in order to meet MLB debt service requirements.

Despite the speculations that the Padres may consider trading Juan Soto in order to meet the requirements of their $200 million salary, the team is adamant about holding on to their 25-year-old jewel.

They may take the New York Yankees up on their offer, but they only have 15 players under contract. As a result, they could trade their highest-paid player.

The Padres stand to save $33 million in the 2024 season if they trade for Juan Soto. This is the most practical move, as San Diego would still have to pay the long-term contracts of other talents like Xander Bogaerts, Yu Darvish, Manny Machado, and Fernando Tatis Jr.

Repоrts frоm MLB indicate that San Diegо is nоt interested in trading Sоtо during the winter market. Hоwever, the Yankees are repоrtedly prepared tо make an оffer that includes starting pitcher Néstоr Cоrtés, shоrtstоp Trey Sweeney, and pitching prоspect Drew Thоrpe in exchange fоr the Dоminican оutfielder. If accepted, Sоtо wоuld jоin Aarоn Judge in the Brоnx.