In a blockbuster trade, the New York Yankees acquired Juan Soto and Trent Grisham from the San Diego Padres. The Padres received right-handed pitchers Michael King, Jhony Brito, Randy Vásquez, and Drew Thorpe along with catcher Kyle Higashioka in return.
Juan Soto, a three-time All-Star slugger, was traded for the second time in less than two years. The 25-year-old outfielder has one season of team control left and is expected to receive a salary of around $32 million. In the 2023 season, Soto batted .275 with 35 home runs, 109 RBIs, and a .930 OPS.
The Yankees, coming off their worst season in three decades, are aiming to bolster their roster. Soto joins an outfield that includes Aaron Judge in center and recently acquired Alex Verdugo. The move adds a left-handed bat to the lineup, addressing a previous imbalance.
The Padres, in a cost-cutting move, received young arms to address their pitching needs. San Diego appears to be slashing payroll by as much as $50 million after falling short of expectations last season.
Soto, represented by agent Scott Boras, brings considerable offensive prowess to the Yankees’ lineup. The trade signifies the Yankees’ aggressive approach to strengthen their roster following a disappointing 2023 season.
