San Diego Padres President of Baseball Operations, A.J. Preller, remains unwavering in his stance on the Juan Soto Padres trade impact, expressing no regrets about the blockbuster deal made over two years ago. In this trade, the Padres exchanged several top prospects, including CJ Abrams, James Wood, and MacKenzie Gore, to the Washington Nationals in return for star outfielder Juan Soto and Josh Bell.

Although San Diego did not secure a championship and traded Soto again less than a year and a half later, Preller credits the move for energizing the team’s roster. The acquisition of Soto played a pivotal role in their deep postseason run in 2022, which culminated in a National League Championship Series appearance — a level of success the franchise had not experienced in decades.

Evaluating the Trade Within the Padres’ Overall Strategy

While Soto’s presence was a significant factor in 2022, the Padres’ 2023 season fell short of expectations despite featuring one of baseball’s most expensive teams. Their failure to reach the playoffs prompted a strategic retooling, leading to the decision to trade Soto to the New York Yankees during the offseason. This trade helped San Diego acquire key players like Michael King and Drew Thorpe.

Preller views the entire sequence—from acquiring Soto to eventually trading him—as a demonstration of the organization’s ability to effectively scout, develop, and maximize the value of high-profile talent. The ability to make such a trade was largely due to San Diego’s strong farm system, which had produced promising players such as Abrams, now the Nationals’ starting shortstop, and Wood, who recently debuted in the major leagues and is regarded as a rising power hitter.

Additionally, MacKenzie Gore has grown into a reliable starting pitcher, and Robert Hassell III remains a highly regarded prospect. These assets showcased the depth of San Diego’s minor league talent, affirming the front office’s solid player development and scouting capabilities. When the competitive window began to narrow, the team adapted by converting talent into valuable returns, a hallmark of Preller’s aggressive management style.

Preller Defends His Decisions Despite Absence of a Championship

Now looking toward the 2025 season, with Soto shining in New York and former Padres prospects thriving in Washington, scrutiny of the trade has intensified. However, Preller emphasizes that the decision was always about maximizing the team’s winning potential at that moment, rather than solely planning for the long term.

In 2022, the Padres confidently defeated the 101-win New York Mets and upset the Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League Division Series, coming close to reaching the World Series. This postseason effort, led in part by Soto’s contributions, was a defining moment for the franchise and its fans.

Though the team did not capture a ring, Soto’s tenure in San Diego helped transform the Padres’ image, proving they could compete against baseball’s elite and igniting renewed enthusiasm at Petco Park. Preller’s willingness to make bold moves like this trade reflects his commitment to positioning the team for success, regardless of the immediate outcome.

When discussing the controversial trade, Preller remains steadfast:

“No regrets, it sparked our playoff run,”

summarizing his belief that the risk taken was justified by the impact Soto had on the team’s competitive trajectory.