MLB Rumors: Will the Padres trade Juan Soto at the deadline?

The San Diego Padres and A.J. Preller are an eternal conundrum. Every time we feel like we understand their thinking around the MLB trade deadline, they pull a rabbit out of their hat. This season, it would make sense to sell — San Diego is an unlikely playoff team at this juncture. Dealing away pieces like Josh Hader and Blake Snell, for example, should not be out of the question.

Then, there's Juan Soto.

Soto was acquired this time last year for a massive trade package. Punting on him this early — and with a year left on his contract — would seem an odd heel turn, but who am I to judge? Preller is one of the best general managers in the sport. Jon Heyman reported that Preller is listening on Soto, though nothing is certain:

"A trade of Soto remains unlikely, even more unlikely than deals involving free agents to be Snell and Hader, but everything is being considered for MLB's unluckiest team (49-54 and 6 ½ out of the wild card despite a plus-51 run differential)," Heyman wrote, per the New York Post.

San Diego is all in. To trade away players like Soto, Hader and more defeats the purpose of their high payroll in the first place. Unless Preller is blown away, I wouldn't expect a move.

MLB Rumors: Why Marcus Stroman won't be traded to the Braves

Atlanta could certainly use some starting pitching, that much is clear. The Braves are among the World Series favorites for a reason, but without Max Fried (for now) and Kyle Wright (for longer), it's fair to wonder if they have the rotational firepower to make a deep postseason run.

Stroman makes a ton of sense on the surface as a potential addition, but there are a couple of factors working against such a trade happening. FanSided's Robert Murray grades a Stroman-Braves fit as a 4/10, explaining all of this in detail:

"He would certainly fit the Braves' need for another starting pitcher and they should be able to fit the remainder of his salary on the 2023 payroll. He has a $21 million player option for the 2024 season, which complicates his value. But even then, the Cubs are surging right now and there is a prevailing thought that the team could elect to buy (perhaps a reliever and third baseman) instead of selling.

Which would mean Stroman stays put in Chicago. The thought surely would be intriguing for Braves general manager Alex Anthopoulos, who was with Stroman in Toronto. But the fit is highly unlikely to result in a trade."

Chicago's winning ways could prevent them from selling altogether, keeping the likes of Stroman and Cody Bellinger with the Cubs. Bellinger is an extension candidate, and Stroman could join him prior to opting out of his contract this offseason.

MLB Rumors: What will it cost to acquire Nolan Arenado?

It should be noted that a Nolan Arenado trade is very, very unlikely, per most MLB insiders. However, were he to be dealt, the Los Angeles Dodgers are the most likely destination. Arenado is from California, and would at least think about waiving his no-trade clause for such an accommodation.

FanSided's Robert Murray commented on this rumor, which was first reported by Jorge Castillo of the LA Times. Murray graded the fit as a 5/10.

"On the surface, Arenado would make a TON of sense with the Dodgers. He'd give them another superstar and fill the third base position long-term.

But every indication out of St. Louis has been that the Cardinals will not trade Arenado and that the star third baseman wants to be in St. Louis. Heck, he opted into the remainder of his nine-year, $275 million contract with the team this past offseason and will be in St. Louis until 2028. The deal also includes a full no-trade clause. Does that sound like a player who wants to be traded?"

If the Cardinals were to trade Arenado, they'd want young pitching back in return, and then some. Per Castillo, St. Louis would want several prospects like Bobby Miller, Gavin Stone, Ryan Pepiot and Emmet Sheehan, and perhaps even Max Muncy and/or Chris Taylor.

That's a lot to ask, but Arenado is worth it. The more likely result is that he stays put for now.