According to MLB Network’s Jon Morosi, the Yankees and Padres are finishing up the particulars of a trade that will send Juan Soto to the Bronx, and Michael King, Drew Thorpe, Randy Vasquez, Jhony Brito, and Kyle Higashioka to San Diego.
The Yanks will also receive defensive-minded outfielder Trent Grisham in the reported deal.
Reacting live on the air to the breaking news, Evan said the deal is a home run for the Yanks, even if Soto winds up signing elsewhere next winter.
“That’s a move you have to make, and you gotta be thrilled about,” Evan said. “Drew Thorpe is a good pitching prospect. We know the pitcher Michael King is and the value he has…and as far as Kyle Higashioka is concerned, other than Gerrit Cole, nobody cares.
“If that’s the deal in place, I want to be the first to congratulate New York Yankee fans, because you have acquired on of the best hitters in Major League Baseball, and even if it’s a rental, it’s well worth the risk.”
Evan understands the return haul to the Padres could seem like a lot, and leave the Yankees’ pitching depth thin, but he says the lineup has now been transformed, and Yankee fans should be celebrating.
“Trent Grisham is a guy you have to take back…all he is, if used correctly, is a fourth or fifth outfielder, you can put him in for defense and give Aaron Judge a blow,” Evan said. “You didn’t give up anything earth-shattering…I know some may look at this and say ‘Boy, Brian Cashman gave in.’ Ultimately, what you got back even for one year is so worth it.
“For 2024, the Yankees have completely transcended their lineup…now you have two guys you should be deathly afraid of.”