Dominguez, Volpe, King or Schmidt: Yankees Rising Stars on the Chopping Block for a ‘Brief’ Juan Soto Gamble

Negotiations between the New York Yankees and the San Diego Padres have taken a new turn. This is regarding a trade involving Juan Soto advancing to the next level. Currently, the two teams are at a point where they are discussing player exchanges. Predictably, San Diego made a very high initial request. Though the teams are in talks, they are still far from reaching a settlement.

This is as tough for the Padres as it is for the Yankees. According to MLB sources, the Padres are figuring out what to do about this Soto situation. Owing to some preliminary conversations between the NL and AL teams, there can be some insights drawn at this point. What are they? 

The San Diego Padres’ High Demands From the New York Yankees

The Padres are reportedly considering young major league pitchers, namely Michael King and Clarke Schmidt. Not to mention, they are as well considering top prospects and rookies like Jasson Dominguez and Anthony Volpe. Though speculative, these are some premium names that the Yankees would have to let go in lieu of Soto. 

The Yankees are weighing whether they can afford to give up core players from the Bronx for a one-year rental. It is clear that Soto is a perfect fit for their needs, considering that they have suffered their weakest season in 3 decades. While the goals of the Yanks and Soto’s deliverables are in sync, is it worth making the inevitable compromises?  

Well, each trade comes with its own set of pros and cons. And the same applies to the situation in New York and San Diego are in right now. That said, one can’t negate the catalytic trait the 25-year-old could bring to the NYY, which might change the course of their 2024 run. The mega franchise is definitely at a crossroads. 

What Happens If The Yankees Onboard Juan Soto? 

Volpe, 22, is reportedly one of the Padres’ top prospects to be acquired from the Yankees. 20-year-old Dominguez is another name. He is one of the organization’s biggest stars. The Friars are also keeping an eye on another highly regarded Yankees prospect, 23-year-old Thorpe. According to Jon Heyman, pitchers King and Schmidt “would be in the mix if there is a Yankee deal with the Padres,” given that Soto is the Yankees’ top offensive target this offseason. 

Read More : A Possible Trade? Juan Soto Set to Move to New York Yankees in 2023 According to Sources

The 4x Silver Slugger is expected to become a free agent after this season. With that, adding him to the Yankees line up is bound to come with unmatched expenses. Heyman stated, “We know that it’s very unlikely, almost zero chance that Soto signs a long-term extension with the team that acquires him. It’s gonna be a rental. A one-year rental, which is what limits the value of him.” While it is going to be a big deal for the Yanks to have him onboard, will the team make a wise choice here? One can only wait and watch. 

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