AL East Team Poised to Make Blockbuster Offer for Yankees’ Juan Soto: Could the Blue Jays Be Next?
The bidding war for New York Yankees star Juan Soto is heating up, with a surprising new contender entering the fray. This time, it’s an AL East rival—the Toronto Blue Jays—who are reportedly preparing a record-breaking offer to lure the Dominican outfielder away from the Bronx.
A New Challenger: The Toronto Blue Jays
According to Randy Miller of NJ Advance Media, a former teammate and close friend of Soto revealed that the Blue Jays are planning to make an “astronomical” bid. “Look for the Blue Jays to make an astronomical offer,” the source said. This move is set to shake up the competition as the Jays, after a disappointing 74-88 season, are eager to return to playoff contention in 2024.
The Blue Jays’ front office is said to be highly motivated to build a stronger team after two consecutive playoff appearances in 2022 and 2023. A source confirmed that Toronto’s management is targeting Soto as a perfect fit for their lineup, especially with the looming free agency of their star third baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. “The Blue Jays think Soto would be perfect for their lineup,” the insider claimed. Having Soto and Guerrero on the same team could be as impactful as Soto and Aaron Judge were for the Yankees this past season.
The Financials: A Record-Breaking Deal?
How much is Toronto willing to spend to secure Juan Soto? The Blue Jays’ offer is expected to be in the range of $500 million, a figure that would shatter existing records in MLB. The largest contract in Yankees’ history is currently Aaron Judge’s nine-year, $360 million deal, signed after his historic 62-home run season in 2022. If Toronto meets Soto’s rumored demand, they could offer a contract worth $600 million—a jaw-dropping figure for a player still just 25 years old.
According to Miller’s source, Soto’s friend confirmed that the player would likely not consider any deal below the $500 million mark. “The number has to start with a six,” he explained. In fact, it’s rumored that Soto is aiming for $40 million annually for 15 years, totaling a $600 million payday—an unprecedented deal that would set a new bar in professional baseball.
Will Soto Leave the Yankees?
While the Yankees remain a logical destination for Soto, the real question is whether the Bronx Bombers can match or exceed an offer as large as Toronto’s. Could Soto pass up a once-in-a-lifetime deal for a larger payday elsewhere?
When asked whether Soto might take a lesser offer to remain in New York, the source hinted that the Yankees would need to step up their game to retain him. “Too low,” was the response when asked about a hypothetical $500 million offer. The stakes are clear—Soto won’t accept a contract unless the terms are among the largest in MLB history.
As the offseason heats up, Juan Soto is at the center of a fierce bidding war between major MLB teams. The Yankees, already known for their financial muscle, now face stiff competition from the Blue Jays, who are determined to rebuild after a lackluster season. If Toronto’s ownership delivers on its rumored “astronomical” offer, the Blue Jays could emerge as serious contenders for the coveted star. With figures like $600 million being tossed around, Soto’s future may soon be decided in what could be one of the most lucrative deals in baseball history.
The next few months will reveal whether Soto stays with the Yankees or if Toronto can pull off a blockbuster move that changes the landscape of the AL East and the entire MLB.
