Latest Juan Soto trade rumors: Yankees and Padres at odds, Blue Jays show interest, say sources

Yankees and Padres Far Apart in Deal for Outfielder Juan Soto, Sources Say

As of Friday afternoon, sources are reporting that the Yankees and Padres are not close to a deal involving outfielder Juan Soto. Negotiations are said to be ongoing, with the Yankees facing competition for the left-handed slugger.

According to sources, the Blue Jays are among the teams in talks with the Padres regarding Soto. It is believed that Soto, 25, would be a great fit for the Jays if they cannot secure Shohei Ohtani, the top free agent in the game. The Padres are reportedly seeking a significant, multi-player return for Soto, including major-league-ready pitching.

Furthermore, the discussions with the Yankees have involved the possibility of including Trent Grisham in a deal for Soto, which would provide the Yankees with solutions for both center and left field. However, Grisham’s performance in the previous season may be a cause for concern.

As the second-best hitter available in trade or free agency after Ohtani, any team looking to acquire Soto will face challenges in signing him to an extension. Soto turned down a lucrative offer from the Nationals, prompting his trade to the Padres at the 2022 deadline.

It is also rumored that the Padres may involve a third club if they are unable to strike a satisfactory deal with a single trading partner. The Mariners are one potential option, with desirable pitching that could be attractive to the Padres.

— The Athletic’s Jayson Stark contributed to this story.

(Juan Soto could be headed north of the border: Ezra Shaw / Getty Images)