3 Juan Soto trade destinations that meet all of his wish list items
By Curt Bishop
2. Chicago Cubs
Speaking of teams who need middle-of-the-order bats, the Chicago Cubs would also fit the bill. They may end up losing National League Comeback Player of the Year Cody Bellinger in free agency. But they do have the prospect capital to make a deal with the Padres for Soto.
If Soto is acquired by the North Siders, the rest of the NL Central would essentially be put on notice. It would also be the perfect counter to the St. Louis Cardinals signing Sonny Gray earlier this week and signal an arms race between the two historic NL rivals.
The Cubs came very close to reaching the postseason, finishing with a record of 83-79 and falling just one game short of the third and final Wild Card spot, which was won by the eventual National League champion Arizona Diamondbacks.
The Cubs clearly have big goals for 2024 and are hoping to actually return to the playoff field for the first time in a full season since 2018. Soto has postseason experience and could be just what the Cubs need to snap their skid of three straight years out of the playoffs.
Expect the North Siders to be busy.