Part 3/8:
Despite assurances from GM Mike Rizzo about retaining Soto, the Nationals' last-place standing meant that trading Soto was a strategic opportunity to rejuvenate their struggling farm system. This led to Soto being traded to the San Diego Padres, alongside Josh Bell, in exchange for a historically steep package. The Nationals received significant assets, including CJ Abrams, McKenzie Gore, and top prospects Robert Hassell III and James Wood.