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The Toronto Blue Jays seem to have a serious back up plan in case they miss out on free agent Juan Soto
Photo credit: The Queen's Journal
The Toronto Blue Jays are apparently all in on trying to land Juan Soto but if they fail, they seem to have a back up plan which is pitcher Corbin Burnes.
Many believe that the Blue Jays actually have a real chance at signing Juan Soto this off-season but it seems like even the front-office is prepared to lose him to another team which is why they have a backup plan.
The Blue Jays seem to have a backup plan in Corbin Burnes if Juan Soto signs elsewhere
According to multiple reports, the Blue Jays held an in person meeting with Burnes in the past few days that went well as they seem him as their top option this off-season after Soto.
Per Jon Morosi, the Blue Jays have already met with free agent ace Corbin Burnes. The 2021 Cy Young Award winner threw to a 2.92 ERA with 181 strikeouts over 194.1 innings this past season, and has consistently been among the best pitchers in baseball for a half-decade now. His Cy Young season saw him throw a career-low 2.43 ERA with 234 strikeouts in just 167 innings. In 2022, Burnes topped the NL in strikeouts with 243, but his strikeout rates have since dipped. --Mountz
Burnes is an incredible pitcher who had a great season in 2024 for the Baltimore Orioles and was the American League Cy Young winner only 3 years ago proving just how dominant he is.
If the Blue Jays miss out on Soto, Burnes will not replace his offense but will likely bring a very similar impact to the team as he is one of the best pitchers in the MLB.
If the Blue Jays end up going after Burnes, they will be saving a ton of money but it will still come at a cost as he is expected to sign a seven year deal worth around $225 million this winter.
Kiley McDaniel of ESPN estimates Burnes will receive a seven-year contract worth around $225 million. This projection would set the Jays up with a clear ace for the better part of the next decade, and provide the team with enough room to re-sign or extend Guerrero Jr. while also adding more bats to reinforce their offense. -Mountz
Hopefully the Blue Jays can land one of these two players as this would completely change the team's trajectory over the next few years.
Source: Fan Sided
Toronto Blue Jays prep a Juan Soto backup plan far ahead of time
Toronto Blue Jays prep a Juan Soto backup plan far ahead of time
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 6 | 1667 ANSWERS The Toronto Blue Jays seem to have a serious back up plan in case they miss out on free agent Juan Soto Should Corbin Burnes be the Blue Jays top priority? | ||
| Yes | 1171 | 70.2 % |
| No | 496 | 29.8 % |
| List of polls | ||
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