MLB Second-Half Predictions: Juan Soto Traded to NL West, Subway World Series

The 2022 MLB season is about to kick into high gear. The MLB trade deadline is less than two weeks away. Juan Soto could be traded to the NL West. There are two months of the regular season remaining.

Juan Soto rejected the biggest contract in MLB history at 15 years, $440 million from the Washington Nationals. He is wanted by the San Diego Padres, who offer him a package of prospects. The Padres have one of the largest payrolls in the game. They have two other stars with big contracts. They could trade Manny Machado before he hits free agency to recoup some of their value. It's a risk, but worth it for a team seeking its first World Series.

Aaron Judge is on track to reach the 60-homer mark. Giancarlo Staton came close to reaching the same mark in 2017. He hit 59 with the Miami Marlins. There hasn't been a 60 homer season since Barry Bonds hit 73 and Sammy Sosa hit 64 in the 2001 season.

Aaron Judge is the current American League MVP favorite. Paul Goldschmidt is considered the favorite in the National League.  Freddie Freeman and Jose Ramirez are the other two frontrunners. The winner will be announced on October 25th. It will take place in New York. For the rest of the season, the winner needs to hit at least 60 home runs and have a good season from Shohei Ohtani.

Goldschmidt and Freeman are both on the winning streak. Arenado is the leader in fWAR at 4.7. Austin Riley, Pete Alonso and Manny Machado are also in the running for MVP.

Mets and Yankees could meet in Subway World Series II. The Yankees won the World Championship in 2000. They have the best record in baseball. Mets are second in the NL East with 58 wins. Jacob deGrom and Max Scherzer have only made 11 starts for the Mets this season. Yankees have a huge lead in AL East and should avoid the wild card round. Mets could have to play the Padres, Braves and Dodgers to get to the playoffs.