It was reported on Saturday that the San Francisco Giants would be scaling back spending this season. That essentially means they don’t play the Juan Soto lottery.
That’s great news for the Toronto Blue Jays, who have also been linked to Soto. One less team to deal with is obviously desirable, and according to Bob Nightengale of USA todaythe Jays are seen as a serious candidate.
On Friday, after the general manager’s meetings, the following emerged:
While there isn’t a baseball team that wouldn’t want Soto, baseball executives believe the finalists for his services will be the Yankees, Mets, Toronto Blue Jays and San Francisco Giants. The Blue Jays appear to be the popular dark horse candidate.
The Blue Jays have the resources to pay Soto even if the offer rises to the $600-700 million range. After all, they were one of the last teams to enter the Shohei Ohtani Sweepstakes a season ago. Additionally, the Jays appear to have a desire to compete in 2025. After a last-place finish in the American League East, the Jays were thought to be able to rebuild, but they appear to be looking to make another run with the Vladimir Guerrero Jr. . and Bo Bichette core.
If Soto were to sign up Torontohe would pair with those two, plus veteran George Springer, to form a very solid top half of the batting order.
Soto hit .288 for the Yankees this season with 41 home runs and 109 RBI. He’s on the cusp of finishing in the top three of the American League MVP voting. He is a former batting champion and a World Series champion (2019). Soto just turned 26.
Continue to follow our Fastball On SI coverage on social media by liking us Facebook and by following us on Twitter @FastballFN.
Leave a Reply