MLB Trade Deadline: Regrading 5 of the best and worst deals

Juan Soto #22 of the San Diego Padres celebrates at second base after hitting a one-run RBI double during the fifth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies in game two of the National League Championship Series at PETCO Park on October 19, 2022 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

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Juan Soto (22) reacts after being hit by a pitch during the third inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports /

Juan Soto, Josh Bell traded to the San Diego Padres

Ah yes, another San Diego Padres trade. And hoo boy, was this a big one.

The Padres acquired Juan Soto and Josh Bell from the Washington Nationals in exchange for a massive haul of prospects: shortstop CJ Abrams, left-hander MacKenzie Gore, outfielder Robert Hasselt III, outfielder James Wood, right-hander Jarlin Susana and first baseman Luke Voit.

The attraction to Soto was obvious. He was one of baseball’s most prolific players and was also signed for 2.5 years, meaning that the Padres could potentially have him for three postseason runs. Bell, meanwhile, was an established first baseman who hit .301/.384/.493 with 14 home runs and 57 RBI.

But Soto has struggled in San Diego, hitting .218/.377/.383 with nine home runs and 23 RBI in 70 games. Bell, meanwhile, hit a mediocre .192/.316/.271 with three home runs and 14 RBI in San Diego and signed a multi-year deal with the Cleveland Guardians in the offseason.

The trade has not worked in San Diego’s favor yet, but I’m banking on Soto bouncing back and showing why he’s one of the best players in baseball. He’s too talented to struggle for too long.

Grade: B-

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