Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Alek Manoah has come up in trade negotiations with the San Diego Padres in a potential blockbuster deal involving superstar outfielder Juan Soto, according to Jon Heyman of MLB Network.
The Blue Jays are reportedly among multiple teams talking to the Padres about acquiring Soto after discussions stalled with the New York Yankees.
Toronto's rivals view the team as a legit contender to land the 2021 NL MVP runner-up, according to Andy Martino of SNY, who adds they believe the Blue Jays are waiting to see what happens with Shohei Ohtani's free agency.
Soto, 25, is projected to earn over $30 million in 2024 during his last arbitration-eligible campaign before likely testing the open market.
San Diego is reportedly looking for young pitching help as part of a deal involving the three-time All-Star.
Meanwhile, Manoah, who struggled last season after finishing third in 2022 AL Cy Young voting during his second year in the majors, has drawn trade interest from four clubs this offseason, sources told Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet.
The 25-year-old authored a 5.87 ERA over 87 1/3 innings in 2023, which included two demotions to the minors. However, he's under team control through 2027.
