Padres Reflect on Trade Fallout After Soto Acquisition

It’s been four years since the Padres made a major trade with the Washington Nationals, acquiring outfielder Juan Soto, yet the repercussions are still being felt.

Former MLB executive Jim Bowden discussed the situation on Foul Territory, expressing his discontent with the franchise’s decision to trade for Soto. “It’s too painful to watch James Wood and CJ Abrams thrive while trading away the next big talent,” Bowden remarked.

Before the 2022 season, the Padres boasted what many considered one of the best farm systems in baseball, featuring talents like Mackenzie Gore, Abrams, and Wood. At the time, the acquisition of Soto seemed like a strategic move. Pairing him with stars like Manny Machado and Fernando Tatis Jr. was meant to pave the way for a World Series victory, a first for the franchise.

Heading into the trade deadline that season, the Padres stood second in the National League West with a 58-46 record. General Manager AJ Preller opted for an aggressive approach, trading Robert Hassell III along with Gore and Wood for Soto.

Unfortunately, the Padres’ aspirations fell short. They lost to the Philadelphia Phillies in the National League Championship Series, missing the World Series and subsequently failing to make the playoffs the following year.

In December 2023, the Padres traded Soto to the New York Yankees for Trent Grisham, which did help replenishing some of their farm system by adding Michael King and four other players. However, history repeated itself when the Padres traded current No. 2 prospect Leo De Vries and Mason Miller at last year’s deadline.

Now, the Padres’ farm system is ranked among the weakest in baseball. As of Wednesday, the team was sitting in third place in the National League West with a 50-51 record. Meanwhile, Abrams and Wood have shown significant growth, with both likely earning All-Star selections in 2026.

Bowden articulated a shift in strategy, stating, “You can’t keep trading your top prospects. Farm systems have evolved, and there are serious concerns.” He’s now advocating for the Padres to consider selling before this year’s trade deadline, suggesting that the team’s future isn’t particularly bright.

“The smart move isn’t to push for this year. They should prioritize getting players back, perhaps six or seven, to rejuvenate the team quickly,” Bowden advised.

With the MLB trade deadline looming on August 3, there’s always uncertainty surrounding the team’s direction in Southern California.