
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Brian Cashman meant business when he sat down with Padres general manager A.J. Preller at the GM Meetings last month in Scottsdale, Arizona. With senior advisor Omar Minaya at his side, the Yankees’ general manager made sure that Preller and the Padres knew just how serious they were about acquiring Juan Soto, a player they reached out to San Diego about at this summer’s trade deadline. Different types of delays extended this process, but Cashman’s willingness to part with five valuable pieces and San Diego’s need for...