The 2023 MLB season has been a struggle for San Diego Padres star Juan Soto thus far. He has been unable to hit consistently to start the regular season, despite ending last year on a high note. But experts expect the 24-year-old to bounce back and get into a groove as the season progresses. 

Furthermore, the Padres seem to have faith in him as rumors of contract extension talks have swirled around. Soto will be a free agent after the 2024 season and the Padres may look to extend him before that. Most recently, an MLB insider revealed the extent of the contract talks and the potential difficulty of a long-term deal.

MLB Insider Jon Heyman opens up on Juan Soto and a San Diego Padres extension

There have been rumors of extension talks having taken place between the San Diego Padres and Juan Soto. Most recently, MLB insider Jon Heyman confirmed that these talks did take place, but they are not advanced. He also mentioned that a deal would be difficult considering how much money Soto may ask for. MLB Network shared a video of Heyman talking about the Soto-Padres extension.

In the video, Heyman confirmed that the talks took place, saying, “Yes, they did make a call, they were brief, they did not go anywhere, and look, give the Padres credit. They’ve done a better job than anybody, considering their market, of locking up superstars.” Heyman further said, “This is a guy who’s 24 years old, and the reason he’s going to be such a great free agent two years from now, is that age. You can look at it like this, Machado and Bogaerts are comparably great players, but they’re 30 years old. So. you may say they have 5 more great years left, maybe. That’s a guess. This guy would have 11 more great years left. If you go by that, that a player whose great is going to be great through 35. So, it’s going to be a lot of money that they’re looking to get for Juan Soto. And it’s not going to be easy.” 

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This spells trouble for the Padres, as Soto was intended to be part of their long-term future. But considering the recent extension for Manny Machado and Xander Bogaerts signing in free agency, Soto’s contract will be difficult. Furthermore, Soto has not spoken about his Padres’ future.

Soto is noncommittal about his future

Since joining the San Diego Padres via a blockbuster trade, Juan Soto has been noncommittal regarding his long-term future. The star outfielder has not talked about an extension, nor has he stated his intent to remain a Padre. He will become a free agent following the 2024 season, and a lot of suitors are likely to line up for his signature. 

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It will be interesting to see if the Padres reopen extension talks for their 24-year-old star. Do you think that Juan Soto will sign a long-term deal with the San Diego Padres? Kindly share your thoughts in the comments below.