MLB Rumors: Juan Soto Trade Is Imminent; Favorite Is Clear

According to numerous reports, a trade of Juan Soto to the San Diego Padres is imminent. Not final yet, but "there is strong momentum" to that end.

The San Diego #Padres are getting close to landing Juan Soto from the Washington #Nationals. The deal is not yet finalized.

— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) August 2, 2022

There is strong momentum for a Juan Soto to #Padres deal. They are not at finish line yet but are getting close according to sources involved in the negotiations. However, as we learned last year with the Scherzer/Turner trade things can change in a heart beat. Patience.

— Jim Bowden⚾️ (@JimBowdenGM) August 2, 2022

Lot of optimism now that Nats can get a Juan Soto deal done with Padres. Nothing official yet.

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) August 2, 2022

The problem, of course, is memories of last year, when the Padres thought they had a deal for Max Scherzer at the deadline, when the Los Angeles Dodgers swooped in and stole Scherzer (and Trea Turner!) at the last minute. 

But according to Jim Bowden, "there is no doubt of the momentum and optimism on both sides" of a Soto deal to San Diego.

The St. Louis Cardinals have been in the bidding, but as of Tuesday morning, have not included a piece the Washington Nationals have insisted on.

The #STLCards have yet to include Dylan Carlson in a multi-player offer for Juan Soto.

Unless that changes in the hours ahead, Soto is likely to become a Padre or Dodger. @MLBNetwork @MLB

— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) August 2, 2022

23-year-old outfielder Dylan Carlson, in his 3rd season with the Cards, is the final piece the Nats were trying to extract from St. Louis, but they haven't given in, leaving the Padres in the lead. 

But for now, the Dodgers are still out there as well.  

Photo: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports