The biggest trade of the Major League Baseball season has finally gone through as the Washington Nationals have traded star outfielder Juan Soto to the San Diego Padres in a blockbuster trade.
According to MLB insider Jon Morosi of MLB Network, the Nationals are sending both Soto and veteran first baseman Josh Bell to the Padres in return for a collection of young players and prospects: shortstop C.J. Abrams, outfielder Robert Hassell III, outfielder James Wood, and right-handed pitcher Jarlin Susana.
Sources: #Nats are set to receive CJ Abrams, OF Robert Hassell III, OF James Wood, RHP Jarlin Susana for Juan Soto and Josh Bell. @MLBNetwork @MLB
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) August 2, 2022
MLB insider Jim Bowden reports that the Nationals are also receiving young lefthanded pitcher MacKenzie Gore from the Padres, giving Washington five prospects in return for Soto and Bell.
In addition to the five prospects, MLB insider Joel Sherman reports that the Nationals will also receive veteran first baseman Eric Hosmer, taking on the $39 million he’s owed over the next three years.
The blockbuster trade comes after the outfielder rejected a massive $440 million extension to stay with the Nationals organization for the foreseeable future. Washington made it clear that if it was going to trade the young star, it would be seeking a heavy return of “4 or 5 top players” that are either prospects or MLB players with low service time.
Based on the results of the trade, it appears that the Nationals got their wish.
In return for the slew of prospects, the Padres receive two immediate impact players that will help the team compete for a championship this season and in the near future.
[Jon Morosi, Jim Bowden, Joel Sherman]
