SOTO BLOCKBUSTER
The New York Yankees acquired outfielders Juan Soto and Trent Grisham from the San Diego Padres for pitchers Michael King, Jhony Brito, Randy Vasquez and Drew Thorpe, and catcher Kyle Higashioka.
What does it give the New York Yankees
For the Yankees, adding Soto is massive. He is a superstar whose numbers might even get better playing half the time at Yankee Stadium! With Soto and Alex Verdugo now on board, expect Aaron Judge to move to center field on a full-time basis. Soto could play right field in the Bronx, while Verdugo might patrol spacious left field. Giancarlo Stanton figures to remain the designated hitter most of the time. What an embarrassment of riches for the Bronx Bombers.
What does it give the San Diego Padres
The Padres replenished their pitching staff with this trade, but it cost them one of the best hitters in baseball. King and Brito are good bets to join San Diego's rotation in 2024, while Vasquez and Thorpe may join them in the not-too-distant future. Higashioka is a solid veteran receiver who might serve as the Padres' backup catcher next season. Now that Soto is gone, the Padres need help in the outfield. They still have great talent on the roster, but more is required.
Fantasy impact
All of Soto, King, Brito, Vasquez and Thorpe should be helped by this trade. Their fantasy stock is moving in the right direction. Soto is a true keeper, while King has the makings of a breakout candidate in '24. Brito and Vasquez offer sleeper potential, while Thorpe is a decent late-round keeper option in deep leagues. Higashioka has little in the way of fantasy value, while the biggest loser after this trade is clearly Grisham. San Diego's former starting center-fielder (albeit in a platoon role) last season, Grisham will probably play the role of fourth outfielder in the Bronx (unless he is once again traded this off-season).
