The landscape of MLB trades operates conservatively compared to the NBA's dynamic nature. Notable trades, such as the Padres acquiring Juan Soto, highlight how significant deals can reshape franchises. The 2022 trade deadline saw the Padres make a substantial move, giving up five young talents. Despite this caution in trading star players, speculation arises about potential blockbuster trades ahead of the July 31 deadline, involving star players not typically on the market, hinting at the excitement of possible trades, albeit unlikely events.
Comparing MLB to the NBA is kind of like comparing apples to pomegranates, but the NBA, with its rapid-fire spate of blockbuster trades and signings, certainly has us wishing MLB front office executives operated as daringly as their basketball counterparts.
At the MLB trade deadline in 2022, the San Diego Padres gave up five highly rated young players to acquire Juan Soto, who still had two-plus seasons left of team control.
Three of those young players -- James Wood, MacKenzie Gore and CJ Abrams -- now form the core of the Washington Nationals.
Let's consider three players who you most certainly won't be seeing on the trade block this year, but whose names have been kicked around in (quite unlikely) fan trade scenarios.
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