Xander Bogaerts expects Juan Soto to command a record-breaking contract from the free-spending San Diego Padres

The San Diego Padres are set to shift their attention towards outfielder Juan Soto's impending free agency, after persuading Manny Machado to commit his future to the franchise on an 11-year, $350 million contract.

Shortstop Xander Bogaerts expects the Padres to do everything in their capacity to convince Soto to ink a new deal with the franchise. Bogaerts also knows it will take some doing.

"They’ve got to bring a bigger truck for you[Soto]” he was quoted as saying by the New York Post.

Soto's current contract expires in 2024, and his agent, Scott Boras is known to have a preference for free-agency negotiations, especially when it comes to his star clients.

The Padres are determined to tie Soto to a new deal before his current contract expires.

Soto refused to give anything away about his future with the Padres, and simply said:

“We’re open to talking, we’re just waiting. It’s a business at the end of the day. I just want to come out here and concentrate on playing baseball. I’ll let Scott do the job.”

However, convincing Soto will not be easy for Peter Seidler. He has already refused a record $440 million contract. While this does imply faith on Boras' part that he can land his star talent a much bigger deal, the Padres seem to believe they can yet make an offer Boras and Soto can't refuse.

Juan Soto is excited to be part of the stellar Padres lineup

Juan Soto #22 of the San Diego Padres advances to first base on a walk in the first inning against the Colorado Rockies August 3, 2022 at Petco Park in San Diego, California. Soto and Josh Bell were acquired by Padres from the Washington Nationals in a deal announced yesterday that sends a slew of prospects and veteran Luke Voit to the Nationals.

Juan Soto was recently full of praise for the Padres lineup, saying:

"I have never been on a team this talented."

The Friars are one of the most exciting teams in the MLB, and Peter Seidler has already shown he is not afraid to break the bank for the right player. He will not hesitate to do it again for Juan Soto.