Quote from Randy Manese on December 5, 2023, 11:55 pm

I wonder if the Padres signaled the Yankees that someone like Verdugo would be acceptable in lieu of  2 or 3 prospects the Yankees don't want to give up.  Preller could then turn around and trade Verdugo and others to Milwaukee for Burnes;  Verdugo is expected to get 9M in his last year of arbitration, while Burnes is expected to get 16M also in his last year before free agency.

So my deal would actually be a 3 team trade with the Padres trading Soto and Grisham to NY for King, Verdugo and others; Verdugo plus others go to Milwaukee for Burnes.  This allows the Yankees to fill its LH hitting spots plus get a real CF; allows the Padres to get 2 SPs plus money to sign Lee for CF; and allows Milwaukee to fortify their OF, get some young prospects and reduce their payroll.

Makes too much sense for it to happen, but as I said earlier, the name of the game is speculation and according to MLB sources, the Padres/Yankees possible trade has "reignited and intensified".

The only issue with your train of thought, is that MIL according to MLBTR has a glut of young OFers to the point where they have contemplated moving Yelich to 1B or DH. So I dont think they would want Verdugo.

Rule 5 draft is today … Padres have the 15th pick and only 31 on the 40 man roster.

Looking at the teams ahead … most have a pretty tight roster and could make a selection but might need to slots for FA/trade adds.

So a good chance the Padres have one (or more) Rule 5 targets they would like to test out in ST and those players will slide down to them at 15.

Usually the “expert” list of top players available is not all that reflective of who teams like and ultimates select … so would not be surprised if the Padres have an player on their radar we have never heard of.  Also, would not be surprised if the pass.

Sounding as if something may happen, early as today with NYY and Soto.

Noting that SD may/will get both King and Thorpe, plus a one or two of Schmidt, Hampton, Brito, or Vasquez.

Quote from BoosterSD on December 6, 2023, 6:53 am

Sounding as if something may happen, early as today with NYY and Soto.

Noting that SD may/will get both King and Thorpe, plus a one or two of Schmidt, Hampton, Brito, or Vasquez.

Honestly, as much as it would suck to lose Soto, that might be a really helpful trade for us for both now and the future.

Quote from Notmyopic on December 6, 2023, 7:17 am

Quote from BoosterSD on December 6, 2023, 6:53 am

Sounding as if something may happen, early as today with NYY and Soto.

Noting that SD may/will get both King and Thorpe, plus a one or two of Schmidt, Hampton, Brito, or Vasquez.

Honestly, as much as it would suck to lose Soto, that might be a really helpful trade for us for both now and the future.

I agree, it will be impossible to replace the offense that Soto provides. However, with the contracts Preller has locked us into I dont see a way to keep Soto, especially long term.

King and Schmidt gives us two SP that will help in 2024, and Thorpe will either be in the wings, or could be a key piece in getting Cease, who has two years of control.

I dont think I would use Thorpe to acquire either Bieber or Burnes, since both only have one year of control.

I would think Preller would like to have Snelling and Thorpe in AA all season, they should both be MLB ready for 2024 and that would give them the depth to trade a Mazur or Berger for a one year rental in Bieber.

Quote from Notmyopic on December 6, 2023, 7:33 am

I would think Preller would like to have Snelling and Thorpe in AA all season, they should both be MLB ready for 2024 and that would give them the depth to trade a Mazur or Berger for a one year rental in Bieber.

That could be a good option as well. Especially with Niebla here in SD, and helping Bieber get back to his old form.

While SD would lack a true top of the rotation option, rolling out Musgrove, Darvish, Bieber, King, and Schmidt would give SD a chance every day. All of which are truly capable of being lights out on any particular day.

Listened to Morosi this AM and

1. has heard Verdugo will stay in NY ... as I suspected the concern with Stanton
2. the NYY-Soto deal could go down today (or tomorrow) with a pitching heavy focus and implied that King and Thorpe both being included but the remaining mix is unclear (but will not be all or even most of the names in the mix). King will drop into the starting rotation ... Thorpe maybe but also maybe more viewed as a mid-season add with more seasoning (just made AA in 2023).

With that mix King has 2 years control and only expected $2-3MM salary ... appears the rest are minimum (or even non-roster. If the Padres include Grisham, that deal would free up about $35MM ... that creates a lot of flexibility in further pursuits. Plus if the deal is a deep as suggested ... probably frees up a lot of mid tier prospects to deal for Bieber or Burnes while absorbing the full salary (probably not both needs some money to fill out the offense in the OF/C. Given the 1 year control on both ... not going to need a blue chip prospect.

Might we see a surprise if $15MM is targeted for a SP ... Preller switches to one of the non-Yamamoto SP available from Japan? Could be "cheaper" leaving more money on the table for others. Could go for a lower tier FA (Flaherty) again leaving money for others ... and in both cases don't give up prospects.

Does seem that the signing of LEE (for CF or LF) maybe also be in the mix.

There has been a question of whether the Yankees got Alex Verdugo with the idea of flipping him to the Padres as part of the Soto deal. In fact, sources say the Yankees' intention is to keep Verdugo. He'll be part of their outfield mix in 2024.

— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) December 6, 2023

As we reported on Hot Stove last night, the Yankees intensified efforts to acquire Soto. Those talks have continued and a trade is likely. Keep an eye on King and Thorpe. Padres need pitchers and those two could headline a trade. Would think Yankees will part with 4 or 5 players

— JackCurryYES (@JackCurryYES) December 6, 2023