Can the San Diego Padres re-sign Juan Soto or is this a relationship ending after his contract is up?

Juan Soto's next game will be with the San Diego Padres. There's no question about that. It's his future that may have a few fans concerned.

A big reason why the Washington Nationals felt the need to trade him was that the star outfielder had rejected multiple extension offers. The Padres should be okay if they aren't able to re-sign him in the future, or better yet, get an extension that he'll put his signature on before he even becomes a free agent.

Yes, the Padres can re-sign Juan Soto and here's why

Because MLB doesn't have a salary cap, only a luxury tax, the Padres can re-sign Soto without a problem unless the front office doesn't want to start paying a penalty tax. But even aside from that, the odds aren't so against Soto staying in San Diego.

The Padres won't have to worry about him reaching free agency until after the 2024 season. It's after the 2023 season when third baseman Manny Machado can choose to opt-out of his deal. One would have to think that between the two, Soto should be the preferred choice for the Padres to pay. Several years younger yet far more expensive when he does become available in free agency, one would have to think San Diego would feel obligated to keep a guy around more simply because they sold prospects to get him as well. And even if Machado doesn't opt-out, there are other ways to ensure Soto stays.

The Padres already have Fernando Tatis Jr. locked up through 2034. His AAV is less than $25 million. Even if Soto is going to $40 million or more with his annual average value, San Diego is positioned well enough to add players around them without getting too close to whatever the luxury tax happens to be by the time Soto is set to hit free agency. If keeping him and Soto on the same roster ever did become an issue, his contract is moveable.

It's not unusual these days for teams to employ multiple $20+ million players. The next step is for them to have multiple $30+ million players. Soto could be in line for a deal with an AAV easily topping $40 million and possibly even getting to the next step of $50 million or more.

A far great roadblock for the Padres in getting a deal done would be Soto's agent Scott Boras who is notorious for making sure his clients get to free agency. Even if no extension is ever signed, the Padres should be in the running for a reunion.