Padres Looking to Extend 2 More Stars

The San Diego Padres continue to spend gobs of money. The ink isn't even dry yet on Manny Machado's massive 11-year, $350M extension, and there's already word that they're now investigating extensions for Juan Soto and Josh Hader. 

Padres to open discussions with Juan Soto, Josh Hader for long-term deals https://t.co/g0KOWhbeU1 pic.twitter.com/zWo8w2noCk

— New York Post Sports (@nypostsports) March 3, 2023

As for the closer acquired at last year's trade deadline, Hader says he's "absolutely" open to listening, writes Jon Heyman of the New York Post. But at the same time, he adds, “It’s a great place to be, but at the end of the day business is business." In other words, no "hometown discount" to be given. 

Soto, 23, the generational superstar also acquired at the 2022 trade deadline, has already turned down a $440M offer from his previous team, the Washington Nationals, precipitating the trade. So signing this Scott Boras client might make Machado's $350M deal, and Bogaerts' $280M before that, look like chump change. 

Both players actually struggled when they came over to the Friars at the 2022 deadline. 

Soto finished his final 52 games of the season batting just .236 for the Pads with a .778 OPS, about 50 points and 200 points, respectively, below his career marks. But Soto is still just 24, has a lifetime batting average of .287 with a .950 OPS, and a 157 OPS+. He will no doubt have a big bounce-back season in 2023. 

Hader had an unheard-of 19.06 ERA in his first month in San Diego, but settled down in September/October to look more like himself, with an 0.87 ERA.

Could the Padres possibly afford to sign these two after all of their recent massive expenditures over the past year? We might soon find out. 

Photo: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports