Yankees: 3 prospects New York would have to sell in Juan Soto trade

The New York Yankees are among the potential suitors for Washington Nationals star Juan Soto, who turned down a $440 million contract this week.

Any trade for Soto would require a prospect haul going back in return. Mike Rizzo previously stated that he had no interest in dealing the 23-year-old outfielder — but things change. Namely, Soto turned down a contract that would have made him the richest man in baseball history.

That’s not chump change, and given the Nationals current ownership issues, it might be about as high as Rizzo feels he can go.

So, where does Washington go from here? They’re currently taking call on Soto, but it would reportedly take a haul for them to trade him before the Aug. 2 deadline.

If the Yankees were to convince the Nats to deal him north of the Mason-Dixon line, a trade must include some of these prospects.

Juan Soto rumors: Yankees could trade Anthony Volpe

Volpe is the top prospect in New York’s system, and a major reason why they didn’t chase after any of the high-priced free agent shortstops in free agency last offseason. Currently playing for Double-A Somerset, Volpe has turned his season around and has a likely MLB debut of 2023, if everything goes right.

MLB Pipeline projects Volpe to hit about 25-30 home runs annually at the MLB level, which is above average for his position. He also projects to stay at shortstop:

"“Volpe also comes with outstanding makeup and quality instincts that help his tools play up on the bases and in the field. His solid speed and aggressive nature translated into 33 steals in 42 attempts last season. His arm earns fringy to solid grades but he compensates with a good internal clock and a quick release. He has the fast hands and feet to play at least an average shortstop.”"

There’s a reason Volpe is one of the best prospects in all of baseball. A former first rounder, he can follow in the footsteps of Derek Jeter, and he’s a local product (Morristown, NJ) to boot.