There is a “growing sense” that the Padres are the likeliest landing spot for not only Soto but also Josh Bell, tweets Barry Svrluga of the Washington Post. There’s some momentum in those talks, he adds. Similarly, the Washington Post’s Jesse Dougherty tweets that the Nationals are beginning to narrow the field.

Additionally, If the potential deal between Nationals and the #Padres happens, the National's return is expected to be centered around SS C.J. Abrams, OF Robert Hassell III, LHP Adrian Morejon, and at least 2 others in the transaction, with Josh Bell being included with Soto going the other way according to Jim Bowden of CBS.