Trading a Generational Talent
In an eventful 2022 trade deadline, Juan Soto to the Padres was the headliner of all the deals made. Krebs’ latest Friday MLB Column looks into the rationale behind trading a franchise icon.
Prospects are finicky. Baseball’s developmental system allows for years of developing traits in the minor leagues. The minor leagues weed the best talent into MLB through competition. Every player signed in affiliated baseball showcased an ability that teams thought they could mold into big league players. Few realize their big-league potential, and even fewer make it to baseball’s biggest stage. Developing a player into an understood talent or commodity makes their accomplishments more impressive with the adversity they had to overcome to get to that point.
Teams must understand their short- and long-term plans. Figuring out which players are a part of the organization’s goals is a process that costs executives their jobs. Players who do not fit in the team’s plans, including generational talents, putting the player in a tradeable position becomes a reality.
In one of the biggest trades of all time, including arguably the best player in baseball, the Washington Nationals traded Juan Soto to the San Diego Padres. It was as big of a blockbuster as blockbusters go, with the Nationals receiving five of the Padres' well-regarded farm system prospects and the established, young superstar going to the Padres alongside Josh Bell. The addition of Bell to the trade undeniably certifies the Padres as a trade deadline winner.
The Nationals reportedly offered Soto multiple massive extensions, which Soto declined. Given his caliber of talent, Soto determines his value, and the AAV of the reported offer, alongside the team’s short-term lack of contention, were amongst the factors that led to the outfielder’s exit from Washington.
The Nationals reportedly offered Soto multiple massive extensions, which Soto declined. Given his caliber of talent, Soto determines his value, and the AAV of the reported offer, alongside the team’s short-term lack of contention, were amongst the factors that led to the outfielder’s exit from Washington.
No matter the return, trading a player of Soto’s caliber will haunt the Nationals for years to come. The Nationals developed superstars in the past, but it is a hard sell to a fanbase when the team does have superstars and cannot keep them in the picture long term. It was a move the Nationals had to make but also a difficult decision that set the team back.
Soto and the Padres have their sights on beating the Los Angeles Dodgers, who have dominated San Diego in the past. Soto may be the guy to lift the Padres into a team that contends for a World Series. The narrative shifts from the Padres making the playoffs to becoming a thorn against their opponents.
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