The New York Yankees, who have not made the postseason for the first time in seven years, are starting to make moves.
There is news that a search has begun to recruit Juan Soto from the San Diego Padres.
SNY reporter Andy Martino, who covers sports in the New York area, said on the 26th (Korean time), "The Yankees have begun tentative negotiations with San Diego regarding outfielder Juan Soto," adding, "According to league sources, talks have only just begun, but trade negotiations are underway." It was reported that this has not started in earnest.
Rumors that the Yankees were targeting Soto began flowing ahead of the trade deadline last summer.
The Yankees have struggled with their offense this season. They ranked low in all offensive categories, including 29th in team batting average (0.227), 25th in team scoring (673), and 24th in team OPS (0.701). In terms of team home runs (219), they only saved face by ranking 9th. Compared to the team's average ERA of 3.97, which ranks 10th overall, you can see how weak the batting lineup was.
Reporter Martino said, 'The Yankees need a stronger offense. A left-handed slugger is needed. The Yankees, who did not make the postseason this year, decided to change the direction of the conversation this offseason. “Soto will certainly check all the issues,” he said. “It’s difficult for fantasy to become reality, but the fact that the two teams have now started talks is at least worth following up on.”
The Yankees' main hitters, including Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton, DJ LeMahieu, and Gleyber Torres, are all right-handed.
Reporter Martino continued, 'Reporting team 강남룸싸롱 officials expect that Soto will be available for trade if the appropriate price is set as he enters his final season before free agency. check here “This person has nothing to do with the Yankees or Padres,” he said, adding, “In other words, San Diego is not actively trying to let Soto go, but that doesn’t mean he’s ruling out the possibility of a trade.”
In an interview with local media earlier this month, San Diego general manager AJ Preller said, “The first task is to sign an extension for Soto,” and regarding the possibility of a trade, “We are not a club that says no to anything.” "Please read it. That's how we run the club," he said.
The Yankees have not been a team that has been active in trade recently. This means that they did not give up the team's prospects in order to acquire one superstar.
San Diego gave up six prospects and major league players in exchange for Soto and first baseman Josh Bell from the Washington Nationals last summer. If Soto moves to the Yankees, San Diego may have to hand over a portion of Anthony Volpi, Jason Dominguez, Austin Wells, Oswald Peraza, and Everson Pereira.
Reporter Martino said, 'According to another club official, the Yankees may include Anthony Rizzo in the Soto trade. 'Because the Padres are not trying to rebuild.'
If San Diego trades Soto, it is because of the high payroll burden. This year, San Diego's opening payroll was $258 million, ranking third after the New York Mets and Yankees. Soto is estimated to be worth more than $400 million in free agency at the end of next year. It's too big for San Diego to contain.