The San Diego Padres have reportedly reached a deal with the Washington Nationals that will send outfielder Juan Soto and first baseman Josh Bell to San Diego, per multiple reports.
In return, the Nationals will receive shortstop C.J. Abrams, outfield prospects Robert Hassell III, James Wood, left-hander MacKenzie Gore and right-handed prospect Jarlin Susana.
Soto was the biggest name on the trade market, and general manager A.J. Preller had his eyes on him from the start. They also add Josh Bell, who is having a career year and becomes a free agent at the end of the season.
The original deal also included first baseman Eric Hosmer with the Nationals taking the remainder of this season (approximately $7M) and the Padres paying the remaining $39M over the next three seasons. However, Hosmer has a limited no-trade clause with the Nationals as one of 10 teams he can reject a trade to. Hosmer rejected the trade and the deal will be how it was originally proposed, just without Hosmer.
The deal is expected to be made official before the 3 p.m. PDT deadline to finalize trades.