Blue Jays Join High-Stakes Bidding War for MLB Star Juan Soto

Juan Soto, currently one of Major League Baseball’s most coveted free agents, is set to become a remarkably wealthy individual this offseason. The entire league is abuzz with speculation about which team will secure his services and at what cost. Although the New York Yankees and New York Mets have been widely considered the frontrunners, a recent report has introduced a surprising contender: the Toronto Blue Jays.

In a report for Sports Illustrated, journalist Grant Young interviewed an anonymous source described as a friend and former teammate of Soto. The source suggested that the Blue Jays are prepared to make a “significant” financial offer for Soto. “Look for the Blue Jays to make an astronomical offer,” the source told Young. “I heard it with my own ears.”

The Toronto Blue Jays, who suffered a disappointing 74-88 season, are reportedly eager to bolster their roster and return to playoff contention. According to Young’s source, the team is interested in signing both Soto and re-signing star third baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr., another integral figure who is approaching free agency. A potential contract for Soto could eclipse the largest non-deferred deal in MLB history.

“The Blue Jays think Soto would be perfect for their lineup,” the source said. “Management believes a pairing of Soto and Guerrero would emulate the impact Soto and Aaron Judge had this year for the Yankees.” Guerrro Jr., who just like Soto is 25 years old, posted impressive statistics in 2024, hitting .323 with a .940 OPS, 30 home runs, and 103 RBIs.

Meanwhile, Soto, who was acquired by the Yankees in a complex seven-player deal with the San Diego Padres, excelled in his debut season in New York. He hit a career-high 41 home runs with 109 RBIs over 157 games and earned $31 million. It is anticipated that Soto will command a salary exceeding $40 million annually, likely positioning him alongside the league’s highest-paid outfielders.

Despite growing interest from various teams, the Yankees remain favorites in the bidding war, with the Mets also closely trailing. Other teams such as the San Francisco Giants, Los Angeles Dodgers, and now potentially the Blue Jays are considered viable contenders. “The Yankees are the favorite for Soto,” Jon Heyman of the New York Post remarked, noting the Mets are in close pursuit.

The Boston Red Sox, a potential wildcard in the Soto sweepstakes, are undergoing significant roster revisions after missing the playoffs for three consecutive seasons. While the Red Sox would benefit from Soto’s left-handed power, especially paired with Rafael Devers, they, alongside the Chicago Cubs and Philadelphia Phillies, are viewed as longshot candidates.

It is anticipated that this offseason’s negotiations will pivot significantly around Soto’s contract demands. Expectations are that the outfielder could land an unprecedented $600 million contract spanning 15 years, a figure that squares at around $40 million per year.