July 25, 2022
In the previous two articles, I have explored possible trade packages for Juan Soto from the Yankees and Mets. This article will discuss a potential Dodgers trade proposal for Soto.
Dodgers get Juan Soto and Patrick Corbin
Nationals get Bobby Miller, Michael Busch, Andy Pages, James Outman, and Andre Jackson
Patrick Corbin could very well be in any Soto deal since the Nats want to get out from under his salary. That will also keep the Dodgers from having to give Diego Cartaya, their top prospect. Corbin could easily be stashed into the Dodgers bullpen as an afterthought, more so than on other teams. Just take a look at David Price for example. He’s an expensive lefty who the Dodgers acquired in order to get Mookie Betts. I believe the Dodgers will probably do that here as well. Michael Busch, James Outman, and Andre Jackson could play for the Nationals right away, while Bobby Miller and Andy Pages won’t be too far behind them. Meanwhile, they save a ton of money not having to pay Corbin anymore. The Dodgers get one of the best young bats ever on the trade market. I believe this trade is a win for both teams. Michael Busch and Andy Pages both bring big bats to the table for the Nationals and should be a valuable part of a future Nationals team. Busch has a .277/.371/.544 line in AAA with a .915 OPS and 22 homers. He might wind up being a first baseman who can play some second base but not super well. Pages has a good arm in the outfield and brings 60 grade power according to MLB.com. He does only have a .240 average in AA, but he draws walks and hits a lot of homers, so he’s perfect for today’s MLB. James Outman is tearing up AAA right now and would probably be on an MLB roster right now if he wasn’t with the Dodgers. He has 20 homers and a .285 average, which are both career highs. He could step into the Nationals outfield today. Bobby Miller is the #26 overall prospect in MLB.com’s top 100. Miller could be in Washington’s rotation soon and make a big impact. He does have a 4.48 ERA in AA so far but a low batting average against and high strikeout numbers. Andre Jackson is struggling in AAA so far this year, but he’s already thrown 11 innings in the Majors last season, so he has that experience the Nationals are looking for. He remains a very talented arm and could turn into a consistent starter for the Nationals.
If I’m the Nationals, I trust the Dodgers prospects more than the Yankees or the Mets because they have such a strong scouting history. Keiburt Ruiz and Josiah Gray have worked relatively well for the Nats, and the Dodgers have consistently churned out stars from their farm system. I think this offer is probably more likely to be taken than the first two because of this. Well, and because the Corbin problem would be resolved. This is a win-win trade for both sides for sure. I’ll admit though, as a Braves fan I really don’t want this to happen.