(New York) The New York Yankees acquired ace Juan Soto in a mega deal with the San Diego Padres on Wednesday.
The Padres receive right-handed pitchers Michael King, Jhony Brito, Randy Vasquez and Drew Thorpe in return, as well as catcher Kyle Higashioka. In addition to Soto, the Yankees have Gold Glove-winning center fielder Trent Grisham.
Soto is involved in a second major transaction in less than two years. The 25-year-old was acquired from the Washington Nationals by the Padres on August 2, 2022, after turning down a 15-year contract worth $440 million in the US.
In 2023, in his first full season with the Padres, Soto had a .275 batting average with 35 home runs and 109 RBIs.
Soto is expected to play left field with Aaron Judge in center and newly acquired Alex Verdugo in right.
The Yankees missed the playoffs this year for the first time since 2016.
