Padres GM AJ Preller explains how the Juan Soto trade came about

Going through the Juan Soto trade was particularly complicated for Padre’s GM AJ Preller given all the media coverage at each step.

Trading in for a 23-year-old Superstar is no easy feat, especially when competition from across the league is trying to make a difference.

That father made it Tuesday, picking up Juan Soto and Josh Bell from the Nationals in exchange for five players, including several coveted prospects.

On Wednesday, San Diego GM AJ Preller explained how media coverage made the whole process even more difficult Ben & Wood’s show at Audacy’s 97.3 The Fan in San Diego.

Padres GM AJ Preller explains how the Juan Soto trade came about

The Padres were honest with the Nationals about “moving parts” in the deal even before Tuesday came as they weighed which players should be included in the deal. When media reports surfaced that a deal was imminent, Preller and Co. were still juggling parts of the deal.

“There are times when you can literally agree on a deal and there are still some things that need to be done medically, league office approval,” Preller said. “That’s where it’s weird with so much coverage these days, some things are being reported and the deal isn’t officially done, or you literally hung up on the other GM a few minutes ago.”

Eric Hosmer’s involvement in the whole affair was part of the drama. San Diego tried to include him in the deal, but he has a no-trade clause and turned down the move to Washington.

While confusion reigned on social media as people tried to figure out if Hosmer could crash the deal, Preller said the player handled everything professionally. They could instead involve Luke Voit and then send Hosmer to the Braves.

After all the drama, the Padres got what they wanted: A player who could take his roster to World Series status.