With the Yankees about to square off in Game 3 of the ALDS against the Royals, you’d think all eyes would be on the Bombers’ playoff push. But nope, the talk of the town? Juan Soto and where the power-hitting outfielder might end up once free agency hits. And guess what? The Toronto Blue Jays might just swoop in with a mega-offer to lure Soto north of the border!
Here’s the tea: Randy Miller from NJ.com got some insider info from a player close to Soto. This anonymous source – who’s already done with the postseason and just happens to share agent Scott Boras with Soto – hinted the Blue Jays are “ready to make an astronomical offer.” And yep, he says he heard it straight from the source.
The word is Toronto sees Soto as the missing puzzle piece, imagining him teaming up with Vladimir Guerrero Jr. to create a deadly duo like Soto and Aaron Judge were for the Yankees this year. But would Soto really head to Canada if the money’s right? Even the insider isn’t sure, saying, “I’ve told him, ‘Don’t go somewhere where you’re not going to win.’ But honestly? Nobody knows what he’s thinking.”
Just to put it in perspective, Soto isn’t even 26 yet, and since he debuted at 19, he’s been consistently smashing records. This past season with New York? He went off with a .288 average, 41 home runs, and 109 RBIs. He’s already got four All-Star appearances, four Silver Slugger awards, and even a World Series ring from his 2019 days with the Nationals. Basically, he’s the guy every team dreams of adding to their lineup.
While the Yankees and Mets are still the big favorites to lock him in, Toronto’s proven they’re willing to drop serious cash for a star – remember they were in the running for Shohei Ohtani last year before the Dodgers signed him for a jaw-dropping $700 million. So, if they couldn’t outbid for Ohtani, could Soto be a different story?
According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, the baseline for Soto’s new deal could start at around $500 million. And some sources are saying the numbers might climb up to $655 million for a 10-year deal! Toronto’s rumored “astronomical” offer would be part of a full-court press this offseason, with the front office apparently “desperate” to build a contender again, which might even include a long-term deal to keep Guerrero Jr. around too.
So, will Toronto manage to pull off a Soto signing and shake up the AL? The competition will be fierce, but free agency is a wild ride – anything could happen.
