Report: Cardinals, Padres seen as current Soto front-runners
The St. Louis Cardinals and San Diego Padres are seen as the favorites to land Juan Soto if the Washington Nationals opt to deal him before the trade deadline, sources told Jeff Passan of ESPN.
Passan adds that it isn't a two-team race, though, with the New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers possessing the motivation and means to land the superstar outfielder.
However, the Cardinals and Padres are best suited to meet the Nats' asking price, which reportedly includes high-ceiling prospects as well as controllable major leaguers.
Soto, 23, is arguably baseball's best hitter and almost certainly the most valuable potential trade piece in the league. The two-time All-Star and recent Home Run Derby champ is eligible for two more years of arbitration beyond this season. Over 95 games this year, he's hitting .248/.404/.491 with 20 homers and five steals.
Trade rumors began circulating shortly before the All-Star break when Soto reportedly rejected a 15-year, $440-million extension to remain in Washington.
The Nationals are currently said to be holding firm, asking for four-to-five top prospects and/or major leaguers who've accrued limited service time.