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The Toronto Blue Jays find themselves at a strategic crossroads in the MLB offseason, as they are involved in the race to sign one of the most coveted names on the free agent market: Juan Soto.
However, this interest could come at a high cost to the team, not only financially, but also in the possible departure of its star, Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
Blue Jays Plan B
The Toronto team was recently hit by the failure of their attempt to sign Shohei Ohtani, one of the league's most outstanding players. Although they put great effort and resources into their pursuit, the Japanese player chose to the Los Angeles Dodgers, who won the World Series in 2024
This situation left the Blue Jays in a vulnerable position, as they lack a solid "Plan B" in case they do not get Soto, something Rosenthal warns in his analysis.
If Soto arrives, someone has to go
Journalist Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic mentions: "g Soto, on the other hand, would almost certainly ensure Guerrero's departure after next season."
The reason for this conflict is the high cost of retaining both Soto and Guerrero, who have million-dollar contracts
Guerrero, whose renewal would also involve a substantial contract, will see his contract expire in 2025, which represents a significant financial burden for the team
As a result, the Blue Jays could be forced to let Guerrero go if they sign Soto, which would be a huge loss for the franchise.
In this scenario, the Blue Jays have a more affordable alternative on the market: Teoscar Hernandez
Hernandez, who had a standout season with the Dodgers in 2024, hitting 33 home runs and 99 RBIs, is another player the Blue Jays could sign to bolster their lineup
After an impressive season, Hernandez is looking for a three-year contract worth more than $60 million, a figure considerably lower than Soto's.
Rosenthal notes: "If Hernandez somehow does not return to the Dodgers, the Blue Jays could be his most logical destination."
This is because Hernandez has a strong history with the team, having played for Toronto for five seasons and earning multiple awards, including the Silver Slugger. He also has a good relationship with Guerrero, which could facilitate his return.
For the Blue Jays, g Hernandez would be a more financially viable solution, allowing them to maintain the flexibility to retain Guerrero and strengthen their lineup without compromising their financial future.