Soto had the best offensive year of his career, but only had one year of control remaining on his deal. Still, he put up 8.1 fWAR and was one of the best players in MLB this year.

In return, the Padres got their ALWC game 1 starter tonight in Michael King, and they flipped the other prize of the trade (Drew Thorpe) to Chicago for Dylan Cease (they sent more to Chicago to be fair).

Michael King - 3.9 fWAR, still under contract for 2025
Dylan Cease - 4.8 fWAR, still under contract for 2025

They also got some depth arms. Good trade for the Padres.