Padres Reap Rewards From Soto Trade 'Throwaway Piece'

Jhony Brito emerges as key part of Padres' rotation after being acquired in Juan Soto deal.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 4:31pm

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting depicting a baseball pitcher's motion broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and planes in vibrant blue, orange, and white colors.A cubist interpretation of a Padres pitcher's delivery, highlighting how a 'throwaway' trade piece has become a key part of their rotation.San Diego Today

When the San Diego Padres traded star outfielder Juan Soto to the New York Yankees three offseasons ago, right-hander Jhony Brito was one of the lesser-known players the NL West club received in return. However, Brito has since emerged as a key part of the Padres' starting rotation, developing a dominant changeup that has made him a wipeout pitcher against left-handed batters.

Why it matters

The Soto trade was a blockbuster deal that reshaped the rosters of both the Padres and Yankees, but the performance of Brito, who was initially seen as a 'throwaway piece' in the trade, has proven to be a crucial factor in the Padres' success since the deal.

The details

Brito, 25, has taken a major step forward in 2026, improving his whiff rates across all seven of his pitches compared to the previous season. His changeup in particular has become a dominant offering, making him especially tough on left-handed hitters.

  • The Padres traded Juan Soto to the Yankees three offseasons ago.
  • Brito has emerged as a key part of the Padres' rotation in the 2026 season.

The players

Jhony Brito

A 25-year-old right-handed pitcher who was acquired by the Padres in the Juan Soto trade and has since developed into a key part of their starting rotation.

Juan Soto

A star outfielder who was traded from the Padres to the Yankees three offseasons ago in a blockbuster deal.

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The takeaway

The Soto trade may have been headlined by the star power of the players involved, but the emergence of Jhony Brito as a dominant starter for the Padres shows how even the lesser-known pieces in a blockbuster deal can end up playing a crucial role for the acquiring team.