In the pursuit of star outfielder Juan Soto, the New York Yankees are exploring a complex trade scenario that could help ease the financial burdens faced by the San Diego Padres. Soto, who is set to become a free agent after the 2024 season, presents both a tantalizing opportunity and a challenge for any team looking to acquire him.

The Yankees, known for their deep pockets, are keen on bolstering their roster for the 2024 season. However, concerns about the current core group and the potential for a one-year relationship with Soto have led them to explore ways to lower the prospect cost of the trade. Drawing parallels to the Mookie Betts trade between the Boston Red Sox and the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Yankees are considering taking on the contract of Padres' player Jake Cronenworth to help facilitate the deal.

Cronenworth, who is owed $80 million over seven years, could be an intriguing addition for the Yankees if he can regain his previous form. The lefty-hitting infielder offers versatility across the diamond, providing the Yankees with a potential replacement for players like Oswald Peraza or Gleyber Torres. Additionally, the Yankees might also look to regenerate the lefty bat of Matt Carpenter, whose contract will expire after the 2024 season.

In order to secure Soto's services, the Yankees would likely need to offer a package that includes prospects such as Spencer Jones, Austin Wells, and Jared Serna. However, the Padres, despite their financial constraints, are still looking to compete in 2024 and are in need of pitching. The Yankees may be compelled to sweeten the deal by including pitchers such as Nestor Cortes, Clarke Schmidt, or Drew Thorpe, among others. The Padres may also seek inexpensive center field and catching depth, making players like Estevan Florial and Kyle Higashioka potential assets in the trade.

However, the one-year control that comes with acquiring Soto limits the potential return for the Padres. While teams have become more rational in evaluating such deals, there is a scarcity of impact bats in the market, which might work in the Padres' favor. Other teams like the Chicago Cubs, San Francisco Giants, and Seattle Mariners, who are in need of a power hitter, could intensify the pursuit of Soto if they fail to land other top targets.

The Padres face significant financial constraints, which limit their ability to move players with substantial contracts like Manny Machado, Fernando Tatis Jr., Xander Bogaerts, and Yu Darvish. Nonetheless, the Yankees could potentially alleviate some of the Padres' financial worries by taking on salary commitments. This could give the Yankees an advantage in negotiations and allow them to improve their chances of securing Soto's services.

As the Yankees continue to explore trade opportunities, the clock is ticking. The Padres need to make significant roster moves to address their financial issues while also adding to their pitching staff. The complexity of the trade discussions mirrors the high stakes involved in acquiring a player of Soto's caliber.

Only time will tell if the Yankees can strike a deal with the Padres that satisfies both sides and grants them favorable access to Juan Soto. The intrigue surrounding the potential trade underscores the pressures faced by clubs when deciding the right time to invest their prospects and financial resources to secure a player who could make a significant impact on their roster.