Potential Yankees’ Juan Soto trade framework grows clearer

Even though the New York Yankees have not made any significant player moves yet this offseason, each day is bringing more clarity in their chase for San Diego Padres outfielder Juan Soto .

The latest came from The Athletic’s Brendan Kuty , who reported late Wednesday that the teams continue to talk about a potential deal and seem to be inching closer to figuring out the framework, including who is off limits and what, exactly, the Padres are aiming to do if they trade the 25-year-old, three-time All-Star:

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That seems to match and expand on what SNY’s Andy Martino reported earlier on Wednesday: that San Diego’s “initial ask was very high” and it seeks young players. Additionally, if Soto is traded , his new team has little chance of signing him to an extension before next offseason because agent Scott Boras typically brings clients to free agency and Soto has already declined a 15-year, $440 million contract offer from the Washington Nationals before he was traded to the Padres, according to The Athletic .

Soto would provide an instant jolt to a Yankees lineup that struggled last season: he blasted 35 home runs and posted a .275 average and .930 OPS in 2023. He has a career .284 average, .421 on-base percentage and .946 OPS, making him one of the premier all-around hitters in the game.

According to reports, San Diego wants to cut around $50 million off their payroll next season — and it needs to add to a rotation that is losing about 700 innings. With so many long-term and expensive contracts on the Padres’ books, Soto, who projections peg to earn at least $30 million in arbitration, is likely their best chip to reset for next season.