As the Toronto Blue Jays prepare for the upcoming free agency period, there are reports that they intend to make a substantial offer to New York Yankees All-Star Juan Soto, particularly after missing out on Shohei Ohtani last year.
The Blue Jays believed they had secured Ohtani in December 2023 when MLB Network’s Jon Morosi tweeted that the star was en route to Toronto, causing a significant buzz on social media.
Fans even attempted to track flights to see if Ohtani was headed to “The 6.” However, it was later revealed that Ohtani remained in California, and the jet being monitored belonged to billionaire investor Robert Herjavec of “Shark Tank” fame.
Ohtani ultimately signed a record-setting 10-year, $700 million deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers, marking the largest contract in professional sports history.
According to reports from NJ.com, the Blue Jays are reportedly preparing to offer Soto an “astronomical” contract, speculated to be around 15 years and $600 million.
A former teammate of Soto’s, who is also represented by agent Scott Boras, indicated that Toronto would be making a significant play for the talented outfielder. When asked about the reports after the Yankees’ Game 3 ALDS win against the Kansas City Royals, Soto responded:
“I don’t know anything about that. They can’t talk to me now. Let’s see what happens in the offseason.”
The Athletic’s Tim Britton estimates that Soto could secure a contract around 14 years, $560 million. Soto’s performance this season has been impressive; he boasted a 7.8 WAR (wins above replacement), a .989 OPS, 41 home runs, and 128 runs scored, making him a top contender for the AL MVP award, though overshadowed by teammate Aaron Judge.
In the Yankees’ ALDS series against the Royals, Soto recorded a batting average of .286 with a .746 OPS. As the Yankees advance to face the winner of the Detroit Tigers/Cleveland Guardians series in the ALCS, the focus remains on Soto’s future and the potential offer from Toronto.
