While the Yankees and Padres still seemed apart in Juan Soto trade talks, with San Diego asking for seven players, including Michael King, Drew Thorpe, Jhony Brito and Randy Vasquez, and the Yankees only offering four, including Clarke Schmidt and pitching prospect Chase Hampton, there are two keys to a potential deal: King and Thorpe.
The Padres have been adamant about the Yankees including both King and Thorpe in a deal, and the Yankees have resisted on both. Nevertheless, the obvious compromise would be to include one or the other, and King, who’s already a big-leaguer, would help the Padres now.
Another obvious piece would be a catcher, with the Yankees being able to offer one of Kyle Higashioka and Ben Rortvedt in a package.
Five-plus teams were said to be on Soto, but the Padres may wait to see if the Jays and Giants join the fray in earnest should they fail to sign Shohei Ohtani.
The outfield trade market is active, with Max Kepler, Tyler O’Neill, Randy Arozarena and several Brewers outfielders (they’d probably prefer to keep Sal Frelick but they also have Garrett Mitchell, Joey Wiemer, Tyrone Taylor and Blake Perkins who could move) in discussions. …
If White Sox star Luis Robert hits the trade market, there would be a frenzy. The White Sox are saying they’d discuss anyone, but so far most of the high-level talks involve ace Dylan Cease. …
Many teams are in on lefty Wandy Peralta, including the Yankees. …
A dozen teams are interested in Isiah Kiner-Falefa, including the Yankees. Teams are looking at IKF as a super utility player, a shortstop and/or a third baseman