Let's Set Odds: Where Will Juan Soto Get Dealt by the MLB Trade Deadline?
By Ben Heisler
It's not every day that arguably the best young player in Major League Baseball becomes available via trade, but Washington Nationals superstar Juan Soto fits the bill.
The term "Herschel Walker-type deal" has been thrown around regarding Soto's asking price from Washington, and at 23-years old and under team control until 2025, it's actually quite reasonable.
There's also the caveat that whatever team acquires Soto, must also take on the remaining contract for left-hander Patrick Corbin, who ranks amongst the worst pitchers in baseball with two-and-a-half years left on a 6-year, $140 million deal.
On Wednesday's episode of BetSided's "Daily Betslip," Peter Dewey and I gave out our bold predictions for where Soto may land. Today, I'm expanding beyond that discussion, and putting on my oddsmaker hat to set odds on his next destination.
Every Team' Odds to Acquire Juan Soto at the MLB Deadline
- Dodgers +200
- Cardinals +300
- Yankees +400
- Mariners +500
- Astros +550
- Padres +750
- Giants +1000
- The Field +500
Dodgers +200
Life is great for the Dodgers and Dodger fans alike. They have the best record in the National League, unlimited resources, and another top 10 ranked farm system via ESPN's Kiley McDaniel. Sure their outfield consists of Mookie Betts, Cody Bellinger and Chris Taylor, but anyone can make room for arguably the best young player in baseball in their lineup, including L.A.
Even if they were to move a few players off their Major League roster, the Dodgers would likely catapult past the Yankees as the new favorite at consensus sportsbooks to win the World Series.
Cardinals +300
First Paul Goldschmidt, then Nolan Arenado, and now Juan Soto?
These are the kinds of deals the Cardinals love to make, trading for a star with years left on his original deal, and locking them into a high quality extension that benefits both parties.
The key in the deal would be at least one of St. Louis' starting outfielders, likely Tyler O'Neill, while also including third baseman Jordan Walker, a top 5-10 prospect in all of baseball.
Yankees +400
Unfairly or not, Aaron Judge didn't put any concerns to rest that he may not return to the Yankees next year. Should their center fielder depart, there's certainly not a better replacement option than Soto on the market.
The Yankees could move multiple players in their top 5-6 ranked farm system to get it done, and would certainly have to include shortstop Anthony Volpe, a top 5-7 prospect in MLB to get the conversation going.
Mariners +500
The Mariners are my dark horse pick to acquire Soto, and pair him for the next decade-plus with fellow countryman Julio Rodriguez.
With baseball's longest playoff drought hanging over their heads, the Mariners have several top prospects in the top 100 of baseball, and could even part with some terrific young pitchers if need-be.
The Seattle faithful are finally behind this team again, and there'd be a full investment if the Mariners pulled the trigger to roster two of baseball's brightest young superstars.
Astros +550
The Astros are a consistent factory of developing top young talent, and while they love Kyle Tucker, who also made the All-Star team this year, moving him and a handful of prospects for Soto would make plenty of sense for a team that continues to stay at the top of the AL Pennant race with the Yankees.
Houston would hate to move on from top prospect Jeremy Pena, but a deal for him, Tucker, and a few other notable names could certainly get Washington's attention.
Padres +750
The Padres are not afraid to spend big money to contend with the Dodgers in the NL West, but so far, they've yet to fully contend.
While Fernando Tatis Jr. is in the same stratosphere for most electric young players in baseball, adding Soto to the mix would continue to revitalize this team and fanbase as the only professional sports team in town.
San Diego still has a top 5 prospect in shortstop C.J. Abrams, and could also afford to take on Corbin's salary in the mix as well.
Giants +1000
The Padres have 5-6 prospects ranked in the top 100 lists for most analysts, and could be chomping at the bit to get the next left-handed slugger to drive plenty of balls out to McCovey Cove the same way Barry Bonds did for a generation.
Soto fits the Giants' window, considering last year they had a team that played out of their skis ahead of their rebuild, and with the finances to make it happen, a move could certainly be in the works to contend with the Dodgers and Padres.
The Field +500
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