This week on Big Hype Prospects, we’ll take a peek at some players who could find themselves shipped to the Nationals in the next 12 days. According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, seven teams are currently in the mix for Juan Soto, although a surprise or three are liable to check in on this once-in-a-decade opportunity.
Five Big Hype Prospects
Diego Cartaya, 20, C, LAD (A+)
(A): 163 PA, 9 HR, .260/.405/.550
(A+): 137 PA, 5 HR, .288/.423/.514
Seemingly everybody who goes to watch Cartaya comes away impressed by the precocious catcher. If there’s a flaw in his game, it’s that he’s already embraced an extreme approach as a hitter. His combination of 50 percent fly balls, 50 percent pulled contact, and near-30 percent strikeout rate mark him as a classic slugger. He’s on a 30-homer pace this season – a rarity both for players this young and for catching prospects. He even draws praise as a defender, especially for his arm.
Prior to the lost COVID year, Cartaya had a reputation for aggression. Since then, he’s averaged a 13 percent walk rate in 437 plate appearances. Unfortunately, the more discerning approach is also why his strikeout rate has spiked. There’s wiggle room for more adjustments related to his swing decisions.
The Nationals already have one former Dodger catching prospect in their lineup (Keibert Ruiz). Even so, Cartaya almost certainly would be included in a Soto trade. As a centerpiece, he might have less heft than others we discuss today. We’ve known for over a decade that a pitching prospect is considerably less valuable than an equally skilled positional prospect. That mostly comes down to attrition associated with pitching. Catchers lurk between pitchers and the other positions – various flavors of attrition can play spoiler to an otherwise great prospect.
Additional notable Dodgers prospects include Michael Busch, Andy Pages, Bobby Miller, and Ryan Pepiot.
Francisco Alvarez, 20, C, NYM (AAA)
(AA) 296 PA, 18 HR, .277/.368/.553
(AAA) 34 PA, .087/.324/.130
If Cartaya is precocious, then I’m not sure we have a word for Alvarez. He’s two months younger than Cartaya and outperformed the Dodger prospect while playing in Double-A. Although it hasn’t gone swimmingly (yet), signs point to improvement ahead. For one, his .125 BABIP and .043 ISO will normalize. Alvarez is arguably the top prospect in the minors.
While the Steve Cohen Mets have shown no qualms with expending resources, their farm system is thin. Moreover, acquiring Soto would ensure they surpass the fourth luxury tax tier. The 80 percent tax rate associated with payrolls over $290MM has already been dubbed the “Cohen Tax.” Many observers believe Patrick Corbin will need to be absorbed as well. Whether or not the Mets are willing to take on these extra expenditures, it’s unclear the Nationals would risk losing another elite outfielder to a division rival.
The Mets next-best prospects are Brett Baty, Ronny Mauricio, and Alex Ramirez. Mark Vientos could have modest appeal for his proximity to the Majors.
Anthony Volpe, 21, SS, (AA)
348 PA, 12 HR, 35 SB, .253/.351/.461
Volpe had a chilly start to his 2022 campaign. Since mid-May, he’s batting .303/.386/.541 with 9.0 percent walk and 14.8 percent strikeout rates. He’s been ready for promotion for weeks if not longer. That he remains in Double-A could reflect the Yankees willingness to trade him at the deadline. As the top true shortstop prospect, he’d go a long way towards landing Soto.
The Yankees know the appeal of generational talents to their fan base, but they also know the value of a good, homegrown shortstop. Volpe has all the makings of a future All-Star. The presence of Oswald Peraza – also a well-regarded shortstop prospect – means the Yankees can probably hang onto a middle infielder for their 2023 campaign. They can attempt to tempt the Nationals with the likes of Jasson Dominguez, Alexander Vargas, and a brace of Major League-adjacent pitchers like Clarke Schmidt, Luis Medina, Deivi Garcia, and Luis Gil among others.
Jordan Walker, 20, 3B, STL (AA)
329 PA, 8 HR, 15 SB, .304/.392/.486
Like Volpe, Walker has seemingly overstayed his welcome in Double-A and could be hanging out for trade reasons. The Cardinals have sufficient infield depth to consider Walker expendable. As we discussed in this column last week, his prodigious power is somewhat wasted on a grounder-oriented batted ball profile. That same approach has helped him to hit for a high average despite plenty of swing-and-miss.
St. Louis is stocked with a deep system of future contributors even if scouting reports aren’t always enthusiastic. Juan Yepez would match the Nationals desire for a Major League return, and he’s a somewhat awkward fit on the current Cardinals roster. Nolan Gorman, Matthew Liberatore, Zack Thompson, and Masyn Winn are just a few of the others who might appeal to Washington. They’ll need to offer a lot of quantity to secure a Soto trade.
Marco Luciano, 20, SS/3B, SFG (A+)
164 PA, 8 HR, .288/.360/.507
Luciano is currently sidelined with a back injury. Prior to landing on the shelf in early-June, he’d shown considerable improvement in his second exposure to High-A. Not only was he hitting for power again, he also rediscovered his previously adequate plate discipline. Luciano is expected to slide down the defensive spectrum, but there’s still a chance he might stick as a bat-first shortstop.
The Giants system features a few tantalizing talents, but they’re mostly in the low minors. In addition to Luciano and Luis Matos (see below), San Francisco could entice with Kyle Harrison, Patrick Bailey, or Heliot Ramos. Unlike some other suitors, they’d need to spend most of their best prospect capital to consummate a deal.
Five More
Gunnar Henderson, BAL (21) and Grayson Rodriguez, BAL (22): The Orioles might not be everyone’s favorites to land Soto, but their combination of top farm system, nonexistent future commitments, and pivot back to relevancemake them the perfect match – if they’re mentally prepared to make a bold move. Henderson and Rodriguez are now widely-regarded as Top 5 prospects. Baltimore has another dozen prospects who look like future big-league contributors. Henderson has run into some strikeout issues upon promotion to Triple-A. Rodriguez is currently recovering from a lat injury. He was on the cusp of making his Major League debut when he suffered the injury.
Luis Matos, SFG (20): Matos has struggled in High-A this season. His scouting grades point to a bright future. However, unlike many top prospects in this era, his prospect ranking is built upon projection on his frame and tools rather than on-field results. The Nationals have the wherewithal to be picky when dealing Soto. Matos’ inclusion will depend on what their scouts say.
Noelvi Marte, SEA (20): With Julio Rodriguez untouchable – even in a Soto trade – Marte is the Mariners next-best bullet. Since late-June, he’s batting an incredible .390/.478/.729 with as many walks as strikeouts. Seattle can prime the pump with Jarred Kelenic, George Kirby, Matt Brash, Harry Ford, and/or Emerson Hancock.
Robert Hassell, SDP (20): The biggest barrier for the Padres is their long-term finances. They certainly have the prospects to get a deal done including a number of MLB-ready players. Hassell looks like a plausible centerpiece, a player who could join the Majors in late-2023. He’s currently thriving in High-A. If the Padres prefer not to part with C.J. Abrams, Luis Campusano, or MacKenzie Gore – all of whom have big league experience and are well-regarded – then they could offer toolsy youngsters like James Wood and Jackson Merrill. Eguy Rosario and Esteury Ruiz should be appealing too.
Is the Luis matos on the giants related to former Oriole Luis matos?
Birth certificate disappeared in the mail — they are the same person.
Pujols is 49.
I don’t believe so. The Orioles Luis Matos (who ended his career with the Nationals) was from Puerto Rico. (10th round draft pick in 1996). The Giants prospect Luis Matos is from Venezuela..
Beyond tired of the Juan Soto hype already
I concur @stanton100, but let’s face it, that’s all you’re going to hear for the next couple weeks, so buckle up bruh.
Maybe become a fan of another sport then?
Try Cornhole? Ew, that just doesn’t sound right….
Its still pitching and catching. oh my…
You are going to be exhausted soon then, because its just heating up. Maybe take a nap.
I’ll go on record as saying NONE of the Yankees top prospects will become more than average MLB contributors….. Not one.
Thanks. I’m sure we will all take the time to book mark this and circle back in three years.
It’s hilarious how incorrect this comment will be
I’m as far from a Yankee fan as you can get, but to say that out of a group with Volpe, a SS with a 60 FV, and the next 4 guys, all with a 50 FV, none will be more than average, sounds like a biased opinion.
Less than 20% of top 100 prospects do, so you have a decent bet. Maybe go to Vegas or the books in London. They will take a bet like that.
Waldichuck looks good in triple A, Periera is having a great time, Andujar is hitting and I won’t even mention the ceilings of Volpe and Dominguez who’s only like 19.
My understanding is that Soto will not sign an extension and that he wants to test free agency in 3 years. From other reports most teams are unwilling to decimate their farm system for a guy that may not resign with the team. Though having Soto for those three years drastically improves the Yankees, Dodgers and Mets chances of taking home a World Series.
I don’t think it’s entirely correct that he won’t sign an extension. What I read suggested he would have signed an extension with the Nat’s had it been a record AAV. He either wanted that, or a record guaranteed value, and the offer had neither
The Nat’s offer was for 15 years, apparently to reduce the CBT hit, but that lowered the AAV. Any team that acquires him, and offers what he wants, will sign him to an extension.
Pretty sure the reason he didn’t sign with the Nats is the offer they made started at $16 million in 2023, less than he is making this season, and was for just $29.3 million AAV which is less than he is going to make in arbitration in 2024. If they had made an offer around $33-34 million AAV I think it would have been a different story.
That’s my point. Had they made a 10 year offer for the same money, we’re looking at a $44M AAV. The Nat’s didn’t mind the total guarantee, but didn’t want that big a CBT hit.
The $16M first year, and the fact that they backloaded the deal, is irrelevant. It’s the guaranteed money, and the AAV, that matters. Countless players have agreed to backloaded deals.
All baseball contract are guaranteed so 440 would have been the record for total guaranteed money. He won’t get $400mm from anyone else. “But he’s so young”. Yeah, and he’ll be 26 when it’s time to get that contract. Everyone thought Harper and Machado were locks for more than $400mm and neither were close. Betts is the closest and I don’t think Soto will get 12 years on the contract if he waits until free agency. $30-35 AAV is about the max clubs will pay on long term deals and that’s not going to change anytime soon. With the quality of young talent all around the game and the increase In minimum salaries from the new CBA, i think that may even start to go. On top of that, only a few teams would be willing to pay that money on any given year, many teams are trying to figure out the Tampa Bay model.
He’s not worth being the highest paid player in the league. This is getting crazy. Seems his home run derby win is making the hype go up even more. Smh.
The Mariners better get Julio 80 mill a year now if this guy is worth north of 50 Jesus. He’s a 25-30 year guy. The Nats are dodging a bullet that he didn’t sign. 15 years?!?! Wth are these GMs smoking?? If peds were still allowed, and they should be, I’d say ok maybe. But he’ll be so washed up after 10 lol.
I wouldn’t say “drastically” improves the chances for these 3 teams. They’re already 1st, 2nd, and 5th in the majors, respectively, in runs scored in the majors. I would say a healthy Scherzer and DeGrom drastically improves the Mets outlook.
Plus, we don’t know what current major league roster talent would be leaving these teams.
I don’t think that many teams will give the farm away just to sign him to a 40 mm a year extension
A lot of the contending teams will trade the farm just to have him for 3 post-seasons.
Slow down there! Lets wait to see if even one is willing. I’m guessing he won’t get moved until the off season, allowing some major league talent to be included more easily.
Multiple articles already saying there are at least 7 in the bidding. Probably more than that. So speed up there, Soto is on the move!!
I mean he’s worth like $60a year and asking for $35, so I’m gonna guess the money isn’t the issue. It’s the prospect haul that is gonna scare teams.
You think he’s worth that? I think his age, if correct, has people confused with who he is as a player. He’s not Trout and other than ONE year he’s never been close. He’s WAYYYY overrated and if anyone makes him the highest paid player per year they will drastically regret it.
Isn’t it going to be less likely Nats will want a catcher as the most valuable piece because of Keibert Ruiz? I think Cartaya and Alvarez shouldn’t be the most highlighted prospects that will go in this deal. Cardinals, Mariners, and Padres in my opinion have better shots because catcher isn’t the #1 piece in their farms (while also being able to send MLB ready players)
I would take the best prospects possible and sort it out later through additional trades, potentially even a prospect for prospect trade.
Spot on. You take the best overall offer. Just like you should do in the draft. Kevin Parada fell in the Mets lap at 11. They didn’t hesitate just because they already had Alvarez.
Oh and Alvarez is far superior to Cartaya to date. Younger, already in AAA after crushing AA. Most feel his bat is MLB ready now. Don’t be fooled by a 34 plate appearance sample size
They took Parada because they (and all the teams that passed on him) know he’s not going to stay at C.
Yea that .450 OPS in AAA screams MLB ready bat. Especially for a catcher!
He’s your guy, that’s fine. But don’t make stupid comments like that and expect them not to be called out. Alvarez is not major league ready in any aspect. He’s a 20 year old with 8 games above AA, and he’s sucked
34 plate appearances. Try reading a bit – he mashed AA. Just got to AAA and has been adjusting. What do I or EVERY scout know though – you got this bro!
The entire baseball world calls him the absolute #1 prospect in the game (guy ahead of him graduated). You have zero clue in analysis.
I would call you names but I really don’t have to – your intelligence for the game is obvious.
“Oh and Alvarez is far superior to Cartaya to date. Younger, already in AAA after crushing AA. Most feel his bat is MLB ready now. Don’t be fooled by a 34 plate appearance sample size”
These are your words moron. His 34 plate appearances have been in 8 games. Congrats, you look like a fool and you doubled down!
I never disagreed he may be the top prospect in baseball. But his bat still isn’t MLB ready. You’re the idiot who is claiming “most” feel this way, not me
I feel bad talking down to a child or a seriously disabled person. Hey Doy-yurs fan. Alvarez is better mang. Not my fault every single ratings system says that. It’s okay. You’re gonna be alright. Send me your address and I’ll ship ya some tissues .
His bat is MLB ready all day brotha. Many dudes hop AA to MLB. He hit nearly 290 with 18 bombs. He can DH now. Compare that to A ball where your boy is swinging out of his shoes.
A good catching prospect holds lots of value, and many teams are going to a two catcher routine, to keep them fresh.
Maybe, but either way I don’t think the Dodgers can or will part with Cartaya. Every indication is they have him pipelined in behind Smith in a couple of years.
Having prime Soto and Will Smith for the next three years, teaming with Mookie and Freeman, would make Cartaya an afterthought. Having a pipeline behind Smith isn’t the Dodgers biggest concern, especially since Barnes is signed for the short-term.
Blank Frank – That is true, but I would be more concerned about the other prospect/players mentioned to go along with him. Lux, Miller, Vargas…I don’t see it happening.
I disagree, and here’s why. A big reason the Dodgers have been so successful for so long is they plan their pipeline. Barnes is signed for two years to back up Smith. No coincidence that Cartaya is expected in the majors at the end of that timeframe. A year behind Smith, and if all goes well, he becomes the first string backstop the year after. Trade Cartaya and the roadmap for this premium position restarts from scratch. So I think he’s just about the last guy they can trade. Ruiz was blocked by Smith. Cartaya is blocked by nobody.
Maybe so, but in reality Ruiz isn’t quite on that level (IF alvarez and cartaya pan out, but signs are they will as advertized). But C is a great position to have two strong guys, and you can shuttle each to DH to get them rest but keep them in lineup. Not the worst problem to have.
A lot more IF on the guy in A ball than the one in AAA
Very true! I was definitely referring more to Alvarez in that post
For Soto I’d rather the Pads part with Gore, Campusano and even CJ Abrams than Hassell Jr. and Wood. Wood especially is an insane talent and it’s my gut feeling that he climbs to top 10 MLB prospect by this time next year. If Preller’s going to trade him, wait until then when his value is so much higher.
I agree and I would even throw in Hassell to get it done where as Woods ceiling is that insanely rare Stanton-like power (with improved contact/walk this season).
@Manny. Yep, Wood is a monster in the making, and from a value now standpoint, Hassell Jr has much more to offer than Wood. I do hope though that Hassell Jr remains too. The Padres organization really lacks hitters with supreme bat control and who wear pitchers down. Been watching his ABs this year, and Hassell’s going to be the tough out they need in the ML lineup, once he arrives.
As I’ve often expressed here, I’m a huge fan of Abrams and have always coined him as thee untouchable Padre prospect. But Soto is Soto, and will require an Abrams X 3 to headline any deal for him. Personally I hope the Pads lay off Soto, the cost in prospects is frightening. Then there’s the San Diego sports curse (starting with Kenny Stabler and Mike Ivey and the Freezer Bowl 1981) – Soto will likely suffer a freak waterslide accident 10 days after they trade for him..
If Preller somehow gets him without touching Hassell and woods I am 100% for the trade. I am ok with them not getting him as long as dodgers don’t get him.
1. There’s no “s” in James Wood’s surname
2. Y’all need to stop worrying about the Dodgers so much. Padres fans threw a collective fit when they traded for Scherzer and Turner and guess what? That backfired on the Dodgers.
And that sure beats
1, you’uns or
2. all y’all
Ex. “All y’all should write for mlbtr”
Backfired right into a World Series championship.
The Dodgers didn’t win a World Series championship last year they got their asses handed to them by the Braves in the NLCS.
If you are talking about 2020, it will take some SERIOUS spin-doctoring to explain how some trade that hadn’t happened yet is the reason they won the WS that year.
Ass handed to them? Last I checked the series went 6 and the Braves won in large part because of the dodgers who didn’t play. But sure man, Braves easily won. Sure.
The dodger rotation on the IL was better than the Braves in the series. Scherzer, Kershaw, Bauer. And that was just the starters.
Exactly, Scherzer was injured when they needed him most. And then he signed elsewhere despite everyone being SO SURE he would sign an extension with the team that traded for him and despite the Dodgers being able to afford to keep him. The trade backfired.
And why did seamaholic 2 say that it “backfired right into a World Series championship?” Scherzer didn’t help the Dodgers win a WS championship. Unless you think the Dodgers trading for him in the future somehow helped them win in 2020 (which, like I said, that would take some serious spin doctoring).
It was a good series (the best of 2022 if you ask me) and both teams had substantial injuries to deal with. The Braves were gracious enough to make LA feel better by subsequently taking out the Astros, then enabling Freeman to join the Dodgers. Good vibes all around!
Machado, Soto, and Tatis in that lineup would be scary.
Probably going to be some combination of Abrams, Hassell, and Wood depending on if Corbin is included. I am curious about how long it will take Wood to get it all together at higher levels. Only because he is 6’7″, not because of talent level.
@Brew I agree that Campusano/Abrams are easier to part with than Hassell. Abrams is blocked in the middle infield, I think he could be very available.
I’m most leery about moving Gore because of how many SP are possibly free agents next year. With him gone that leaves just Darvish and Snell for 2023 and they’re not going to be able to replace that many lost arms in FA.
@Nichols. Agreed. Hard to imagine though that Gore wouldn’t be included given the haul required. It would be a heartbreaking deal. Too bad they can’t send em Gris, Chestmoss, and Snellzilla and a few low end prospects!
Makes no sense to me for the Mariners to subtract from the rotation to acquire Soto. Kirby should not be included in trade talks. If that means no Soto for the Mariners, so be it. If it’s some combo of Marte, Brash, Ford, Hancock, Arroyo with slightly lesser prospects– fine.
I think if we’re getting an outfielder we have to part with at least one. I know we’re not resigning Haniger and he is worth nothing in this trade but we can trade Lewis or Kelenic with Trammel along with some other pieces. As much as it would be nice to have Soto I don’t want him on the Mariner’s. He would only be trade bait in a couple years when it’s clear he won’t sign and Dipoto would not resist that temptation to get something in return. That means we are trading away some top prospects for probably a 18-24 months of Soto before we trade him and get less in return.
He’ll wind up hurting a franchise more than helping it so fingers crossed the cardinals pony up and give away everything. Juan won’t like playing in St Louis and won’t sign any extension after being in that bible beating clubhouse
Bibles packed up and left with Matheny. Cardinals now have a healthy balance of secular humanists, agnostics, freethinkers, schismatics, Rastafarians. etc.
congrats…. you win the stupidest comment on the internet today award.
JimmyForum – Jesus loves you too!
I didn’t realize the Giants prospects are still many years away from being ready. Zaidi needs to spend some $ on premier talent if the farm isn’t producing.
No way they’re landing Soto.
they aren’t many years – a lot of the giants guys are being promoted aggressively – you are looking at probably next year for harrison and luciano, ramos has really not been producing but has poked his head in this year a couple of times.essentially what you have are a crop of guys moving into A+ right now like brown, mcCray, etc and a bunch of guys on their way out and will be AA-AAA in the next few months to a year (harrison was already moved and lucino as long as they injury doesn’t set him back will likely follow). The thing to remember is when Zaidi took over and where guys are. Most of AAA are signees and bobby evans drafts so it is working with the old org guys that farhan was never as much of a fan of
Appreciate it, thanks
If the Giants are willing to include Logan Webb, that would definitely catch the Nat’s interest.
I hate the title of this series. Hype means exaggeration. Who, exactly, is exaggerating the potential of any of these prospects?
Virtually everyone.
@blank Frank
Exactly! Should call them suspects, not prospects until they prove themselves.
No it actually doesn’t.
Yes, actually it does.
hy·per·bo·le | hīˈpərbəlē |
noun
exaggerated statements or claims not meant to be taken literally:
Hype just means they are getting attention
You know, like every MLB writer currently researching and writing about various top 10 guys in about 1/4 of the team’s farms… most of whom have never had an article written about them before. That’s hype
The word is used that way a lot now, but it doesn’t have that actual meaning.
Now you’re claiming that your opinion of its proper definition is more relevant in conversation than how the word is used in conversation today
If you wanna die on that hill, you do you. But when you know how the word is being used, why are you complaining? You know words can have more than one usage, right? So, just to complain? You don’t have anything better to do?
No hill, no death. Just a writer who owns a dictionary and cares about this stuff. I realize most people don’t, which is why we see what we see. Your reaction to my pointing out the common abuse of this word is way over the top.
Giants fan “what if” hope: what if Yankees trade for Soto, extend him and therefore can’t afford him and Judge both and therefore Giants go in on Judge. Not the posturing interest they’ve shown in the past (Harper, Suzuki, etc) but legitimately try to sign him. Feel free to differ.
The Giants have had so many sluggers turn them down in the last 20 years. There’s no guarantee Judge would sign in San Francisco. It’s probably best they trade for one.
trading isn’t the way to go right now for SF – the team is going to clear house next year and prospects will be needed for either big league time or trading for good serviceable pieces. Dreaming on a superstar trade will just screw everything up if those guys gotta go so you might as well burn the money since that isn’t in short demand. One thing to remember about judge is he is a hometown guy and likely this will be one of if not the last contracts he signs.
“The Giants have had so many sluggers turn them down in the last 20 years.”
You mean guys like Joc Pederson, Darin Ruf, Hunter Pence, Mike Morse, Aubrey Huff, Melky Cabrera, Juan Uribe, and Pat Burrell? All signed within the last 12 years. And that was when Oracle played more as a pitcher’s park, than it does now.
Melky Cabrera? “Slugger?”
Never seen him described that way before.
Look at that list
Then pretend those guys have any bearing on what a player of Soto’s stature would do. Hahaha. Wow
Big time hitters avoid San Francisco the way pitchers avoid Colorado.
Like Bonds? Money talks.
Thanks for responses
Giants led mlb in homeruns last year. I don’t think Oracle is the deterrent many of you believe it to be. And Judge grew up in Bay area and was giants fan. It could happen. like bucsfan says money talks.
Barry Bonds? He signed in SF 30 years ago.
I think Judge would sign with the giants but I wouldn’t pull out free agent signings from 1992 to back up my argument. Many here weren’t even born yet and they changed stadiums since then.
Bucs fan is a pirates fan. Bonds played AND STARRED for the Pirates. Bonds went to world series with pirates so it is a good analogy. Money over team success. And Bonds played in a tough Candlestick Park for 7 years before going to Oracle (nee Pac Bell). BTW, I’d be willing to bet the age of the average poster on this site is closer to 50s than 30s and remembers the early 90’s. I defend bucsfan cuz i’m just not sure why you felt the need to ridicule the guy
Oracle as a detriment to hitting is an out-of-date narrative. With the 2020 changes, the park is not the same. Over the last 3 years, the park-affects score is neutral (100). This season it’s tied with Wrigley for the 8th best park (103) for hitting. See for yourself:
baseballsavant.mlb.com/leaderboard/statcast-park-f…
Yet Oracle still grades as the third most difficult to hit HRs at, so for someone like Judge, it might not be so appealing.
True. And actually, this year it’s 5th hardest. I normally look at a 3 year span, but the universally used humidor is having a huge effect throughout this season.
But it’s not as bad as you think. Oracle still plays better for RHHs, and for them, it’s tied with LoanDepot (Marlins) for 23rd best. Though it’s not far behind Citi, and Petco. Money can add a lot of appeal though.
Agreed that it’s better for RH hitters. Though for Judge, I feel like he goes the other way for dingers more often than most (probably partially due to the friendly RF dimensions at Yankee Stadium), which might hurt him more than most RH hitters at Oracle. All I can say for sure as a Dodgers fan, is I guarantee he will torture the Dodgers if he becomes a Giant, so I hope that doesn’t happen! Lol
Your desire for Judge to not be a Giant probably equals my desire that he not be a Dodger.
According to BB Ref, Judge hits the ball up the middle most often, which would not make Oracle a great park for him. But here’s the breakdown:
Pulled in 441 ABs, 1,415 OPS
Up the middle in 830 ABs, 1.179 OPS
Opposite field in 302 ABs, 1.363 OPS.
If he adjusts to pulling the ball more Oracle might not be too bad. Plus, he has the power to hit in any ballpark. I think he could go opposite field into McCovey Cove.
Thanks for the research tad. Good stuff
I’d love to see the Cubs jump in here and buy a prospect or two…
Let the padres pay the piper for Soto, Cubs agree to take Myers and 50% of Patrick Corbin’s contract. Cubs send Robertson to San Diego, ship Madrigal to DC, San Diego sends Snell and Hassell jr to Chicago.
The nationals get their haul while shedding themselves of nearly 30 million in dead money owed to Corbin by selling hassell to Chicago for Madrigal while the Padres move what’s left of Myers and Snell to absorb Sotos salary for this year while staying under the LT.
I like the idea of a multi team trade
If the Padres are willing to trade Hassell there is no way the Nats are letting a 3rd team get into the deal to take him.
If it means shedding 30 million dollars it certainly will.
I’ve heard rumors that the nationals are trying to attach Corbin’s salary to Soto, which would greatly reduce the return on a trade… and vastly limit trade partners as teams such as the padres do not have the flexibility to make such a trade.
Although I wouldn’t call Snells contract “deadweight” the padres would like to be out from it and he isn’t pitching like a 14 million dollar pitcher, Corbin is completely deadweight as is the reminder of Myers contract.
For the padres to make such a trade, they would have to at the very least move Snell and Myers to accommodate Soto.. given the nationals desire to attach Corbin, that means the padres further have to free up 30 million…
I think the reports of attaching Corbin are overstated. Fans around here are already upset, they will be livid if Corbin is included so the Lerners can make an extra 20-30m on their $2b transaction.
More likely the Nats try to attach Corbin to Bell and agree to eat half the deal and get no legit prospects back.
Soto’s trade value is so astronomically high that they can attach Corbin and still get a great return while eating none of the contract.
I agree — I just don’t see them getting a 3rd team involved and diluting the return even more.
The more I look at it, the more I see absolutely zero way the Padres can pull off a Soto deal if the Nationals insist on moving Corbin in it.
Using Betts/Price as a comp, the Padres would have to part with basically all three of their top 100 guys to get the Nationals interested (although they may not be all that interested in Camp having just netted a blue chip catcher last season). Which in a sense would be fine except the Padres have no wiggle room to absorb Corbin or Soto’s salary.
A third team would have to be involved and would have to assume all Corbins salary (60 million remaining over two seasons) and the Padres would have to move Snell and Myers or Hosmer and Myers. Snell isn’t pitching up to his price tag but is clearly a moveable guy. Myers and Corbin are deadweight. Who could the Padres send to Chicago to get them to cover 60 million in Corbin and the remainder of Myers salary? Along with taking a flyer Snell? Assuming the Nationals left Campusano on the table, that might get me to sniff around but it’s no where near enough, Maybe there is enough interest in Weathers but can the Padres really push all their card in this season and maybe next because that will completely destroy their farm system with Musgrove a free agent this year and Manny having an opt out next.
THERE IS NO MOVING HOSMER AND ADDING SOTO IN THE SAME MOVE!
And they can’t move Snell after giving up Luis Patiño and Cole Wilcox to acquire him. Plus they’re going to need him next year with so many of their SP’s being FA.
The Brewers traded quite a few guys to get Cc Sabathia in 2008. It didn’t win them the WS but it did end a 26 year playoff drought. Do they trade for Soto to give them a shot at winning the WS this time? Big gamble thinking one guy could make the difference. Their current offense won’t get the job done and they could miss the postseason altogether. Of course he would only be a brewer until he becomes a F/A. Just like CC.
if yelich was still a superstar and they hadn’t been so burned on that deal, maybe just maybe it’s worth the convo. But I’d be shocked
They have the arms im sure to get the Nats attention
You can remove Jordan Walker from this list. The Cardinals aren’t going after Soto. They finally have the ledger (mostly) free of underwater contracts with lots of affordable, controllable talent filling out the roster. This was always the goal. They are not going to reverse coarse and trade the farm for one guy with a massive salary. Every mention of the Cardinals in the Soto sweepstakes is clickbait.
They literally just did, with Arenado, who isn’t half the player Soto is.
If Austin Gomber was enough to get Soto, the Cards would be in.
You don’t seriously mean that, do you? Have you seen Arenado play 3rd base? Currently at OPS+152 Soto @ 162
Soto current WAR 3.4
Arenado current WAR 4.9
I’m not saying I would pick Arenado over Soto, but half the player? c’mon don’t be silly.
Arenado is 31 years old. Soto is 23. Yes, I do mean that.
“Arenado is 31 years old. Soto is 23”
I can’t argue with that logic.
Arenado is a stud
No, no – remember that Arenado is a product of Coors Field. He won’t hit in STL.
P.S. career-high OPS+ this year so far.
Career high OPS+ because OPS+ penalizes a player for playing in Coors.
that is how I see SF too – they are finally ending longo and belt this year and crawford is essentially on a 1 year retirement plan so all of the old guys are out and farhan has said multiple times and made it clear that he wants to aggressively promote and get rid of roadblocks for the young guys and acquisitions to play. it seems like dumping all of your top prospects on a player that you maybe hope to sign to a bank breaking long term deal is kind of the opposite of that philosophy
Agreed.
The folks on MLB network seem to think Soto makes the most sense for the Cardinals. Who knows though..
I hope. They need another stud in their lineup to get to the next level.
Don’t really see Los Karens trading away the farm for Soto, but I could be wrong.
obsessed with the dodgers much? You talk about them more than any other team.
If you knew anything about SoCal, you’d know OC has a significantly higher Karen ratio than LA
Guess you’re talking about the Angels?
Was it intentional that all the prospects were identified by club, except Volpe. Yankees are so famous they require no intro?
In the absence of knowing any specific details about Luciano’s injury, it’s concerning to me that a 20 yr old is sitting out for an extended period of time – for a back issue.
Until and unless that’s resolved as a one-off type of injury (instead of a potential red flag) it seems like his trade value would be lessened for the time being.
Trade juan soto for anything- just get rid of the S.O.B.
C’mon he’s not that bad. He’s a bit like seager right now getting rear-ended by the shift and look how hot seager is he’s he hottest hitter in baseball coming into the second half everyone just needs to relax
Don’t like him, don’t trust him plus he’s 1-dimensional and overrated. Addition by subtraction- get rid of the S.O.B.
1 dimensional? He’s the most complete hitter in baseball aside from maybe Trout. But sure man
Keibert Ruiz wears diapers
Funny to see if Soto gets traded (which at this point I’m thinking is a 50/50 chance) Ruiz will be the headliner in that lineup #someteam
Happy as an Os fan to have 2 top 5 prospects after promoting the #1 prospect while also just picking 1/1. Future looking bright. I’d trade them both for Soto in a heartbeat though giving up Grayson would be scary as he’s first legit ace potential prospect they have had in a long time. I’d rather them give up Henderson and DL Hall (Another top 50 mlb pitching prospect) and maybe Drew Rom.
O’s aren’t getting Soto. The way Angelos has handled the MASN issue I think makes them a nonstarter in negotiations without the deal also resolving the MASN dispute. If Angelos agrees to that, then sure they can get Soto. Otherwise I think the Lerners would set an insane O’s tax that they’d never meet.
Yea I agree that it’s unlikely that the Nats and Os could do anything of this magnitude. A lot of bad blood
yeah…which is unfortunate because I think in a vacuum they line up better than any other teams. O’s have the payroll flexibility and the need for a Soto like trade — and their prospects are great for the Nats wants, GRod and Henderson plus a couple other prospects in the 5-10 range would be ideal. Imagine the Os going big this offseason and ending up with a lineup like:
1. Mullins (CF)
2. Trea Turner (SS, on like a 7/250 type deal)
3. Soto (RF)
4. Mountcastle (1B)
5. Rutchman (C)
6. Mancini/JD/Blackmon
7. Santander (LF)
8. Jace Peterson/Evan Longoria type FA (3B)
9. Mateo (2B)
SPs: Rodon (5/120), Wells, Eovaldi (3/45), Lyles, Hall
I think that is a team that contends.
Maybe. Sp depth might be bugaboo. And by time young guys mature would Soto walk as FA in 2 years?
Yankees fans: “Soto for Gallo, who says no?”
A couple other teams that could possibly make a deal for Soto are the Rangers and the Tigers. Both are below .500 and a ways from playoff contenders, but they have a history of making these kinds of deals. The Rangers signed ARod to a monster contract. The Tigers traded for Cabrera when he was just 24 and gave him a huge contract. Both teams have the prospect capitol to pull it off… just not sure if they are willing to hand out such a big contract again.
Does anyone remember a player by the name of Rusty Greer? I was mourning the strike and blocked out all baseball right around that time.
The guy was a lifetime .300 hitter that averaged just under 20 homers a year. Hardly struck out, walked a bunch. 3 times he had 100 RBI… the guy has some amazing stats. Never heard of him.
I remember Rusty Greer, a very good player for a nice stretch of time.
Some news for fans: Every hitter in the Toronto lineup tonight has at least 2 hits. Has to be rare occurence.
They’re not going to trade within the division and they’re not going to trade with Baltimore.
The Orioles are the only team the Nats haven’t traded with since they relocated to DC.
Not sure I’ve seen a more overrated and overhyped player than this guy and soon to be wayyyy overpaid. He’s really good but they’re acting like he’s Mike Trout in his PRIME and he’s not even close. Plus with much more diva attitude. Good on the Nats they’re going to make out in this.