MLB rumors: Red Sox trying to poach NLCS GM, more on Soto trade, MLB expansion

  • An MLB expansion is in view
  • The Padres already plan to cut ties with two key free agents
  • A new Red Sox general manager candidate is emerging, and it's not Mike Hazen
Atlanta Braves v Philadelphia Phillies
Atlanta Braves v Philadelphia Phillies / Mitchell Leff/GettyImages
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Padres free agency will not include Blake Snell or Josh Hader

This has been murmured a few different ways over the last several weeks, but it appears the Padres are firm on one free agency choice: They won't bring back Cy Young candidate Blake Snell or Josh Hader, both free agents this winter.

"The San Diego Padres, who had the third-highest opening-day payroll in baseball, have no plans to bring back free agents Blake Snell or Josh Hader in 2024. They still are undecided whether to trade Juan Soto this offseason."

The Padres as an organization are in flux. Manager Bob Melvin seems likely to get fired, and articles have come out the last few weeks critiquing the leadership of both executive A.J. Preller and superstar Manny Machado.

Snell and Hader figure to be expensive players to bring back, and with the Padres payroll already massive between Machado, Juan Soto, and Fernando Tatis Jr., they may look for inexpensive options to backfill their roles.

The Soto note is equally as interesting. Other reports have suggested an extension is close to coming for Soto. The discordance in reporting indicates there might be a bit more tension than previously reported.

San Diego, for seemingly all the wrong reasons, is a fascinating story to watch this winter.