The San Diego Padres and the Washington Nationals will forever be linked because of the Juan Soto trade. This week’s three-game set did not need more fireworks, as one of the cornerstone pieces from the Nats’ perspective, James Wood, was making his Petco Park debut. This is where the controversy begins, as the Friar Faithful can still envision him in a Padres uniform.
Let’s go back in time
It has been quite a rollercoaster ride since the Padres and Nationals pulled off that stunning trade deadline deal in 2022. The Friars cleaned out the top prospects from their talent pool to acquire the best generational player in the sport. Few teams would pass on the opportunity to obtain Soto, who is on a clear path to the Hall of Fame.
The media declared the Padres were the winners of the mega-deal as they catapulted themselves into World Series title contention. All agreed it would take three seasons before determining the value of what the Nationals received in return for Soto.
No need to rehash Soto’s time in San Diego, but he batted .265 with 41 HRs and 125 RBIs in 214 games. The inconsistent production suggested the Friars may have overspent to acquire him.
Both sides benefited from the blockbuster trade
The Friar Faithful is frustrated that the team is still searching for an everyday left-fielder. They contend the Padres would be a better team with Wood in the lineup. You cannot disagree, as the Friars are using complementary players who are struggling to produce.
Team president of baseball operations and general manager A.J. Preller put all of his chips in the middle of the table to make the blockbuster trade. He knew team general manager Mike Rizzo wanted players who were major league-ready in exchange for Soto. He finalized the deal that put the Padres in the conversation for a postseason berth.
The Nats are pleased with what they received from San Diego, as CJ Abrams, MacKenzie Gore, and Wood are all making contributions this season. But all eyes are on Wood because his potential is enormous.
Wood is a special talent
From the moment he arrived, Wood has not succumbed to the pressures associated with Major League Baseball. He has proven to be on the brink of a fine career. It is his swing that draws all the attention.
Last season, Wood batted .264 with 9 HRs and 41 RBIs in 79 games. 2025 has seen him just burst out of the starting gate by hitting .284 with 22 HRs and 61 RBIs in 81 games. You have to be impressed with his approach at the plate. Whether he is pulling a pitch to right field or taking it to the opposite way. Wood gets everyone’s attention during his at-bats.
No one could have predicted the void in left field, as it is easy to picture Wood being the solution. On paper, the Friars would have boasted two of the youngest and brightest left-handed hitters (Jackson Merrill and Wood) in baseball. But games are not played on paper. Acquiring Soto stamped the franchise as a legitimate postseason contender. Having assembled a competitive roster, Preller was deemed a baseball executive not afraid to make the big move.
Yes, the Soto trade has aged poorly. It is not about trading for him but rather the cost of acquiring Soto. The first deal can be categorized as an “all-in” trade, as the All-Star outfielder was the last piece of the puzzle in Preller’s mind. The second Soto trade was all about recouping some of your original investment before the potential of him leaving town as a free agent became real.
Roster turnover happens every day in baseball. Front offices must decide which players are an ideal fit for the roster, but that evaluation can change quickly.
The Padres have a competitive team, as they have not fallen through a trapdoor. Is the roster perfect? No, but the roster is good enough to make a run in October.
It is time for the Friar Faithful to move on.