The San Diego Padres could also be 12 video games out of first place within the NL West, however how come it appears like they’re sitting atop the baseball world?
They nonetheless have the Los Angeles Dodgers because the bullies on their block, however how come it appears like they’re laughing and kicking sand of their northern rivals’ face?
The Padres made one of many best commerce acquisitions in baseball historical past – maybe the largest since Babe Ruth – touchdown 23-year-old outfield phenom Juan Soto of the Washington Nationals together with slugging first baseman Josh Bell.
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The worth is terribly steep: The Nationals will get 1B/DH Luke Voit, shortstop CJ Abrams, outfielders Robert Hassell III and James Wooden, left-handed pitcher MacKenzie Gore, and right-handed pitcher Jarlin Susana.
Eric Hosmer was initially to be included within the deal, however did not need to waive his no-trade clause for a deal to Washington, and was subsequently despatched to Boston. As an alternative, Voit, is the primary baseman heading to the Nationals.
However, hey, what’s a number of prospects once you get an opportunity to get one of the dynamic hitters in baseball in Soto, who turns into the primary multi-time All-Star to be traded earlier than the age of 24?
And, oh sure, it certain feels a complete lot higher once you’re the staff out-bidding the Dodgers.
The monster commerce comes on the heels of the Padres buying four-time All-Star nearer Josh Hader of the Milwaukee Brewers.
And, identical to that, the Padres should be a wild-card staff, however, oh, will they ever be harmful in October.
This can be a staff that was determined for greatness. They haven’t been to the postseason in a full season since 2006, ending a 14-year drought within the abbreviated 2020 marketing campaign.
So what that they have already got two gamers with contracts in extra of $300 million with Fernando Tatis Jr. and Manny Machado? So what that it’ll be powerful to signal Soto to an extension contemplating he’s searching for at the least $500 million?
The Padres imagine now could be the time to go all in, and in the event that they need to recoup a few of their prized prospects, they will merely commerce Soto earlier than he’s eligible at no cost company after the 2024 season.
The Padres have modified the narrative with a prospect buying and selling spree not often seen in baseball.
Prospects are good.
Parades are higher.
