MLB Insider Details Why Toronto Blue Jays Aren’t a Serious Threat to New York Yankees and Mets in Juan Soto Sweepstakes…
As the Juan Soto sweepstakes heat up this offseason, the Toronto Blue Jays have been linked to the 25-year-old superstar, but an MLB insider suggests they may not be a serious contender in the race to acquire him. Soto, one of the most coveted players in baseball, is the subject of widespread trade rumors, with the New York Yankees and New York Mets emerging as the frontrunners to land the five-tool outfielder. While the Blue Jays may be interested in adding Soto to their already potent lineup, there are several reasons why they may not pose a major threat to the big-market teams in this high-stakes pursuit.
Financial Constraints and Market Size
One of the biggest factors working against the Blue Jays in the Soto sweepstakes is their financial flexibility and the market dynamics. The Yankees and Mets, with their substantial payrolls and deep pockets, can afford to take on Soto’s massive salary, which is projected to exceed $30 million in his final year of arbitration. The Blue Jays, while not financially constrained, do not have the same level of spending power as their New York counterparts. Both the Yankees and Mets have shown a willingness to make splashy moves and exceed luxury tax thresholds, making them more likely to be able to absorb Soto’s hefty contract.
The Blue Jays, on the other hand, have a solid core of young players locked into long-term deals, including Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette. Adding Soto would be an expensive endeavor, not just in terms of trade assets but also in future payroll obligations. Toronto would need to get creative to make such a deal work financially, and with other areas of need, particularly pitching, the team may not prioritize adding a player like Soto at the risk of overextending their budget.
Lack of Immediate Championship Window
Another reason the Blue Jays may not be viewed as a serious threat to land Soto is their current trajectory in comparison to the Yankees and Mets. While Toronto has a talented roster and a promising future, their window to win a World Series may not be as urgent as that of the Yankees or Mets. The Yankees, always in the mix for championships, are coming off a disappointing 2023 season, and the Mets are fully committed to retooling their roster in a way that positions them for immediate success. The Blue Jays, however, are still in the process of building around their young core, and while Soto would undoubtedly make them better, they may not be in the same “win-now” mode as their New York rivals.
Competition for Trade Assets
In the trade discussions for Soto, the Yankees and Mets both have an extensive pool of high-end prospects and young talent that would be highly appealing to the Washington Nationals. The Blue Jays do have a strong farm system, but it’s not necessarily as deep or as enticing as that of the Yankees or Mets. With both of those teams able to offer top-tier prospects along with Major League-ready talent, the Blue Jays could struggle to match the kind of return Washington would be seeking in exchange for Soto.
Ultimately, while the Blue Jays are a strong team with a bright future, their financial limitations, championship aspirations, and potential trade assets make them unlikely to outbid the Yankees and Mets in the Juan Soto sweepstakes. The New York teams, with their payrolls and urgency to win, are simply better positioned to land one of the game’s brightest stars. For Toronto, focusing on bolstering their pitching staff and other areas of need might make more sense in the short term.
Leave a Reply