The Phillies should trade for Juan Soto
The San Diego Padres are looking to shed payroll this offseason. Juan Soto will be a free agent following the 2024 season. The club would be wise to acquire some assets for him, especially if it doesn't believe the outfielder will re-sign with them long term.
Soto is only 25 and coming off a productive 2023 season. After a down year in 2022, during which he was the subject of trade talk with the Washington Nationals, he rebounded in a big way last season. He finished with 109 RBI, the first time he has had 100 or more RBI since 2019.
He's one of the best in the league at getting on base — he had 132 walks, which were the most last year among hitters. He also finished first among batters in walks during the 2022 (135) and 2021 (145) seasons. Soto set a new career high with 35 home runs in 2023.
If the Phillies are interested in signing Soto if he reaches free agency a year from now, shouldn't they consider trading for him and offering him a multi-year contract this offseason? The outfielder, who previously played with Philadelphia stars Bryce Harper and Trea Turner in Washington, shares the same agent as Harper, Scott Boras. The young outfielder and Turner were members of the 2019 World Series champion Nationals team.
Trading for the Santo Domingo, Dominican Republican native is worth considering this offseason for the Phillies. He is more durable and several years younger than another outfielder in trade speculation, the Los Angeles Angels' Mike Trout.
Soto adds another Silver Slugger to his collection.
— San Diego Padres (@Padres) November 9, 2023
👏 @JuanSoto25_ pic.twitter.com/25bhjA2BLw
Alec Bohm and Bryson Stott didn't provide the same consistency in the postseason for the Phillies offensively that they demonstrated throughout the regular season. Philadelphia ultimately suffered in October due to the inconsistent offense.
Soto would be an exceptional addition and would boost a lineup that struggled at times in the middle of the batting order. Having him follow Harper or hit before him in the batting order would be difficult for the opposition to strategize against, particularly in the playoffs. His addition could put the Phillies in position to win its first championship since 2008.
Soto would be worth the risk of making a blockbuster trade this offseason and offering a contract extension that keeps him as a member of the Phillies for the next several years. Citizens Bank Park would be even more electric if the outfielder donned red pinstripes and powder blue uniforms.
Even though it isn't expected, Philadelphia has the chance to make the biggest impact during the Winter Meetings with another significant addition or two via trade or free agency. Signing Hader or acquiring another top-end starter to increase its rotational depth will unquestionably boost its pitching. Trading for Soto would undoubtedly make the Phillies a force to be reckoned with next season.