MLB Rumors: Blue Jays & Nationals Could Supply Summer Blockbuster Trade

The Washington Nationals may have no choice but to trade superstar Juan Soto as the trade rumors have been swirling like crazy these past few days. It doesn't help when Soto's agent has been ripping the team over not flying him out to the All-Star Game or over their recent salary offers. While every single MLB team will have some degree of interest should a trade become reality, no other team may be set up to acquire the outfield phenom quite like the Toronto Blue Jays.

First off, American League team, always helps to be in a different league when dealing with superstar trades. The Blue Jays also have some young talent that's catching the eyes of many across the MLB, including 22-year-old catcher Gabriel Moreno. With all-star Alejandro Kirk bursting onto the scene and still only 23 years old in his own right, Toronto could use their depth at the position in a blockbuster trade. Scouts are drooling over Moreno's game and one report had this to say about his potential:

Moreno has made promising developments behind the plate as well. An infielder at the time of signing, the 22-year-old puts his athleticism to use with blocking, receiving and throwing. He has an above-average arm with a quick release, capable of controlling the running game as he did with a 40 percent caught-stealing rate last year. Moreno saw some time at third base in the AFL, but his ceiling behind the plate is immense as a potential All-Star.

Moreno would definitely be a starting point, along with fellow top prospects Orelvis Martinez, a 20-year-old infielder in AA, and Otto Lopez a 23-year-old talent who got a small taste of the big leagues last season. A recent MLB.com report had this to say on Lopez, the Jays fifth ranked prospect:

As Lopez’s numbers would indicate, he shows ample offensive promise with his ability to make consistent contact. He has posted groundball rates above 50 percent with each of his last three affiliates, but his plus speed means he can earn plenty of hits with his legs. He’s a stolen-base threat as well and has improved his success rate on the basepaths since 2019. Lopez isn’t much of a power bat though, and he may struggle to reach double-digit home runs over a full season.

Along with a trio of top prospects, the Blue Jays also have Cavan Biggio and Nate Pearson as two recent top prospects who have yet to make drastic impacts in Toronto. Two players along with Moreno who could quickly become every day players in Washington. As for Toronto's interest in Soto? There's no doubt management isn't afraid of making bold moves and we now know where the player's hearts lie...