As bees gather around the flowers in search of nectar, something not entirely different happens in the baseball world where the teams gather around the next big prospect. Of late, one massive prospect has been the San Diego Padres outfielder Juan Soto. The 25-year-old has been exceptional whenever he has been on the diamond in the last season with stats to back it up. A recent report indicates that a new team has displayed an interest in the star player.

The left-handed hitter closed out 2023 with 35 homers to his name, including an average of .275, in what was a disappointing season for his home team. Now, with only one year left on his contract, which expires by the end of next season, the sought-after outfielder is on the radar of many significant franchises.

The Cubs are among the potential suitors for Juan Soto

Until a few days ago, it seemed like the New York Yankees were the front-runner for a possible Soto deal with the Padres with the likes of Anthony Rizzo, among others, on the table. But recently, another team has shown an interest in Soto and that is the 3x World Series Champions, the Chicago Cubs.

The Cubs are on the back of a middling at 83-79 narrowly missed out on a wild card spot and failed to feature in the playoffs for the 3rd time in a row. With so much at stake, the iconic franchise will look to change its fortunes before or during the next season. In the aftermath of Cody Bellinger becoming a free agent, Juan Soto?s talents could be very well needed.

The Padres with a worse 82-80 season will be looking to lighten up their payroll. With key pitchers like Seth Lugo, Blake Snell, and Josh Hader nearing a possibility of free agency too, the Padres are in a financial crunch. With the release of Soto, who according to MLB Trade Rumors’ Matt Schwartz is slated to earn around $33 million, the Padres will look to free up the budget in order to bring in young talent. But it’s still early days.

Will Soto sign for the Cubs?

Cubs might have shown preliminary interest in Soto, but it’s left to see how far they pursue it. With Soto having previously rejected a 15-year $440 million deal from the Washington Nationals, and the Cubs not usually being a part of megadeals, all possibilities are still on the cards. To top that, the Cubs already feature Ian Happ and Seiya Suzuki in the outfield, which leaves Soto?s place in a bit of a doubt.?

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The market for trade speculation has become abuzz with many deeming utility player Christopher Morel as a possible trade prospect for Soto. With things only being in the initial stage and other clubs such as the Yankees also shopping around, it will be interesting to see what’s in store for Juan Soto.

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