Here’s How The Padres Traded For Josh Hader Without Eliminating Themselves From Juan Soto Race

Padres Ryan Hader Trade Doesn't Close Door On Possible Juan Soto Deal

Getty Image

The San Diego Padres made a splash trade on Monday. This ball club is clearly all in on making a deep playoff run after acquiring Josh Hader. With the pitching rotation now stacked, the front office can go back to adding firepower to the batting order. Luckily for San Diego, their deal for Hader doesn’t affect their chances of also landing Juan Soto.

According to MLB insider Jim Bowden, the Padres finalized a trade for Hader without using any of the prospects they’ve offered to the Washington Nationals. Instead, they sent Taylor Rogers, Robert Gasser, Esteury Ruiz, and Dinelson Lamet to the Milwaukee Brewers for Hader.

This is a massive move for San Diego, as they massively improve the pitching rotation. However, it’s wildly impressive they found a way to remain in the Juan Soto race. If the Padres can pull these trades off, they very well could be the best team in the National League.

With the MLB trade deadline on August 2, a Juan Soto trade could come to fruition in the coming hours. Keep an eye on the Padres for now, as the front office could pull off two huge acquisitions before the deadline. This team would be incredibly dangerous with Soto in the lineup. Especially considering Fernando Tatis Jr. is hopeful to return soon. All we can say is good luck to the rest of the league if San Diego pulls this off.