The Toronto Blue Jays aimed high last offseason by trying to sign Shohei Ohtani, but they missed out and ended up having a rough 2024 season. Now, the question is whether they’re repeating history with Juan Soto.
Rumors are swirling that Toronto might surprise everyone by going after Soto. However, fans have every reason to be skeptical given past disappointments. Even though teams like the Yankees and Mets might have an edge, the Blue Jays are still in a solid position to make a move for Soto.
Financial Muscle
Toronto has plenty of cash to spend—it’s no secret. Their attempt to snag Ohtani last year showed just how deep their pockets go. With top-10 payrolls for three years straight, they’re not afraid to spend big bucks . They already have some key players locked into long deals and are looking at extending contracts with Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette. By 2026, only $65.9 million is committed to salaries, leaving room for big names like Soto if they choose to be bold.
Toronto’s market size is massive too, trailing only Mexico City, New York, and Los Angeles in North America.
Ready for a Comeback
Last season was tough for the Blue Jays due to various setbacks like Kevin Gausman’s injury during spring training that threw off their game early on. But he bounced back after the All-Star break and should return as an ace next year alongside José BerrÃos, Chris Bassitt, and Bowden Francis—a strong rotation lineup indeed.
Fans think this could finally be their year!
Bichette had a down year in 2024 but he’s young and talented enough to bounce back strong in 2025 alongside Guerrero Jr., making them formidable again at bat with Soto potentially joining them as another star hitter.
Adding these elements together could push Toronto from 74 wins last season into mid-80s territory easily—especially since closer Jordan Romano will return after elbow issues sidelined him in 2024.
Other players like Daulton Varsho may not hit high averages but excel elsewhere; Alejandro Kirk has shown promise before; Spencer Horwitz displayed potential too—all contributing valuable depth around core stars.
A Perfect Fit?
Soto would fit right into this team’s current needs perfectly: there’s space open in left field while George Springer winds down his career on right field duties through 2026 (or perhaps shifting more towards DH). If signed by Toronto without any other major changes coming externally yet considered here today then opening day line-up might look something similar:
1) Bo Bichette – SS
2) Juan Soto – LF/RF
3) Vladimir Guerrero Jr.-1B
4) Daulton Varsho-CF
5) George Springer-RF/LF
6) Spencer Horwitz-DH
7) Alejandro Kirk-C
8 ) Will Wagner-2B
9 ) Ernie Clement-3B
With such talent both pitching-wise plus hitting prowess backed up further via returning health overall throughout roster including bullpen anchored once again firmly under Romano’s leadership—it seems quite promising indeed!
Can they truly turn things around though? What do you think?
