As with most Major League Baseball trade deadlines, this year's flurry of action brought a number of under-the-radar deals that either shored up the rosters of contenders or purposely depleted those of teams in rebuilding mode.
Yet there was one move, expected but still seismic, that stands to have a dramatic impact on one team's on-the-field fortunes, as well as the behavior of sports bettors: The Washington Nationals' decision to trade All-Star outfielder Juan Soto and hard-hitting first baseman Josh Bell to the San Diego Padres for designated hitter Luke Voit, left-handed pitcher MacKenzie Gore, outfielder Robert Hassell III, shortstop C.J. Abrams, outfielder James Wood, and right-handed pitcher Jarlin Susana.
Washington's hand was all but forced when the 23-year-old Soto, who recently won the Home Run Derby, turned down a 15-year, $440 million contract extension, making it quite clear that he intended to flee the nation's capital at the earliest opportunity. Reactions to Tuesday's blockbuster varied. While called it a “historic heist” for the Padres and the word “fleeced” was trending on Twitter, ESPN baseball reporter Jeff Passan actually liked what Washington did, saying, “The amount of talent going to the Washington Nationals matches the amount of talent going to the San Diego Padres.”
Went on SportsCenter to talk about the Juan Soto blockbuster. We will have much, much more on our trade deadline special today from 4 to 6 p.m. on ESPN. pic.twitter.com/WigOpc8fFU