Why and How
As a lifelong Yankee fan filled with disappointing playoff losses, and, more recently, horrific seasons, I needed something to look forward to for the 2024 season. Brian Cashman, the GM for the New York Yankees, filled my need by trading for Super Star-Left Fielder Juan Soto. Trade talks for Juan Soto started as early as the trade deadline of last season. Brian Cashman had been in contact with the San Diego Padres for the young Superstar for many months. They were on and off trading names and what the San Diego Padres would want to return. In early December, the San Diego Padres and New York Yankees started to trade names of young pitching prospects, and MLB-ready arms.
Trade details
The Yankees received Juan Soto and Trent Grisham ( who was added to get some money freed for the Padres). The Padres got in return right-handers Michael King, Johnny Brito, and Randy Vasquez. The main piece in this deal was Yankees Top pitching Prospect Drew Thorpe who had just won minor league pitcher of the year. Kyle Higashioka the Yankees backup catcher was also added into this deal.
Who won
In my eyes, as a Yankee fan, I lean towards the Yankees. They receive a 25-year-old star-studded left fielder, and a defense-focused outfielder to plug in at the end of the game. Distilled Me may seem not smart as Juan only has one year left on his contract, but if the Yankees can extend Juan Soto for the rest of his career this will go down as one of Brian Cashman’s greatest moves. The Yankees may have given up some top pitching prospects, but they filled a hole in their lineup that has been lacking for many years.
