St. Louis Cardinals reportedly finalists in the Juan Soto sweepstakes

WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 28: Fernando Tatis Jr. #23 of the San Diego Padres talks with Juan Soto #22 of the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on April 28, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 28: Fernando Tatis Jr. #23 of the San Diego Padres talks with Juan Soto #22 of the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on April 28, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)
2 of 3
WASHINGTON, DC – APRIL 28: Fernando Tatis Jr. #23 of the San Diego Padres talks with Juan Soto #22 of the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on April 28, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – APRIL 28: Fernando Tatis Jr. #23 of the San Diego Padres talks with Juan Soto #22 of the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on April 28, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)

San Diego is desperate to beat Cardinals and acquire Juan Soto

While the Padres are already one of the most loaded teams in the league, their GM A.J. Preller knows he needs to make a major move to win now, and he has the assets to do so, much like St. Louis.

Much like the allure the Cardinals have of slotting Soto in with Paul Goldschmidt and Nolan Arenado, the Padres are dreaming of a lineup with Soto, Fernando Tatis Jr. and Manny Machado. In order to acquire Soto, St. Louis will have to put up a massive offer to compete with the Padres.

It appears that San Diego is willing to part with many of their top prospects, such as C.J. Abrams and MacKenzie Gore, to get a deal done. While most would argue the Cardinals can offer a better package, the question remains whether or not they’d be comfortable presenting an offer that can beat the desperation of San Diego.

If San Diego were to acquire Soto, they easily become a top-three team in the National League, if not the favorite to win the pennant. If St. Louis does not grab Soto, the hope would have to be that an American League team like Seattle jumps in here soon.

Schedule