MLB insider says Yankees aren't pursuing Padres All-Star

On Tuesday, SNY's Andy Martino reported that the New York Yankees had begun a "preliminary conversation" with the San Diego Padres about trading for superstar Juan Soto. However, about 24 hours later, the New York Post's Jon Heyman refuted Martino's report, saying the Yankees "have yet to speak to San Diego about [Soto] this winter."

The Yankees just came off a disappointing season where they finished in fourth place and were never really in the postseason discussion. Fans have been clamoring for big changes, and acquiring Soto would certainly be that. Soto is coming off of an All-Star season in which he hit 35 home runs, tied for fourth in the majors with 109 RBIs, had the third-best on-base percentage with .410 and led the league with 132 walks. Most impressively, he is just 25 years old. 

Soto would also fill a massive need for the Yankees: a power-hitting left-handed outfielder. New York struggled to find consistent outfield production outside of former MVP Aaron Judge during the 2023 season. Soto would immediately slot into either of the corner outfield spots and would form one of the best duos in the sport with Judge. He would also be a perfect fit in Yankee Stadium. with the infamous short porch in right field being tailor-made for his swing. 

The Padres are currently in a state of organizational flux after a disappointing year in which they finished with an 82-80 record and missed the postseason despite having the third-highest payroll. It was reported that Padres ownership would like to cut payroll by at least 20%, or $50M, and try and obtain a more consistent roster instead of a few top-heavy stars.

These reports about a potential payroll slash have prompted most of the speculation surrounding Juan Soto's trade status. Soto currently has one year left on his contract and is set to earn $23M in 2024. If the Padres are unsure about extending Soto, it would make sense for them to listen to offers for their star. Trading Soto would make it much easier for the Padres to lower their payroll by $50M, and they would be able to secure more young, cheap players who are on more team-friendly contracts. 

Padres general manager A.J. Preller hasn't shut down these rumors either. 

"We've never been a group that says no to anything," said Preller. "I wouldn't read into that. That's just kind of the way we operate."

While it may make at least some sense for both sides to pursue a trade for Soto, it appears that there is no progress on a potential deal at the moment. If the Padres do end up making Soto available, expect the Yankees to be among the most aggressive suitors.