Could the Philadelphia Phillies add Juan Soto?
A top 10 player and generational talent is currently wasting away in San Diego. Juan Soto, former National and teammate to Bryce Harper, Trea Turner and even Kyle Schwarber (even if it was short). Soto could be the perfect player this roster is missing. While it may cost you some pieces, bringing Soto in this offseason to gel with this lineup would do wonders.
Everyone knows Dave Dombrowski likes to go star hunting and has no problem selling the farm to get what he wants. However, this could be a double-edged sword depending on what it costs you. Obviously Johan Rojas and a pitching prospect might have to go back in the trade, but there could be a scenario where Nick Castellanos might be dangled out there as bait.
Here is a scenario where Nick Castellanos isn't in the trade talks and you can just move prospects to get Juan Soto. The Padres should be in complete rebuild mode and tear this team down. After losing their manager to the San Francisco Giants and the rumors swirling around potential trades of stars, it just seems like their blueprint just crumbled overnight.
Obviously making a move for Juan Soto would mean Bryce Harper would stay at first base. In order to make this happen, you might have to give up something similar to what the Padres gave the Nationals for Soto. While the Padres also received Josh Bell, they had to give up some major league talent and their 1st, 3rd and 14th prospect. So if the Phillies aren't moving Castellanos in this scenario.
INF Edmundo Sosa, OF Johan Rojas, OF Justin Crawford (Number 3 prospect), RHP Orion Kerkering (Number 7). in return you would receive Juan Soto.
Now if you add Castellanos into the deal, it might look something like this: OF Castellanos, OF Johan Rojas, RHP Orion Kerkering and a lower prospect. This really depends on if the Padres would want to flip Castellanos or if they are still looking to compete.
Soto would add another bat that can hit for contact or power. Depending on which route you go with either having Hoskins stay and trading Castellanos or keeping Castellanos and moving on from Hoskins. Your one through four hitters have just become much more dangerous and harder to pitch to.
Obviously, the pitching staff is going to need some upgrades and some new faces. Let's take a look at some potential adds to this staff.