Blue Jays could play spoiler in Yankees-Mets Juan Soto sweepstakes
NY Post
The field of suitors for megastar free agent Juan Soto is said to have narrowed to eight finalists — including the Mets and Yankees, of course. But there’s one club in particular our two teams need to keep an eye on.
The six teams known to remain in the mix are big-market clubs that could swing what surely will be a record-setting deal, at least for total value. But the biggest threat to take Soto out of New York and away from the Mets and incumbent Yankees just might be the deep-pocketed Toronto Blue Jays.
The Jays are viewed by industry sources as a viable obstacle to the favored Yankees and Mets, thanks to a well-heeled ownership and strong incentive to improve coming off the abject disappointment of 2024. They’ve had difficulty luring superstars, presumably due to geography and finances (high taxes and the Canadian dollar complicate things). But word is they are highly motivated and sources suggest they plan to be in big.
The Dodgers, Giants and Red Sox and two other “mystery” teams (one believed to be from a smaller market) are believed to be planning to join the Jays, Mets and Yankees on trips to southern California to visit with the 26-year-old superstar starting this week.
The World Series champion Dodgers were reported here to be interested if Soto — a resident of Miami and his native Dominican Republic — has interest in returning west after a stint in San Diego. If that perceived geographic hurdle can be scaled, they have the wherewithal and much more to offer, starting with the best collection of talent in MLB, not to mention the favorite’s tag in the well-watched competition for star Japanese pitcher Roki Sasaki.
The Giants, who have tried hard to land superstars via free agency and trade (Bryce Harper, Giancarlo Stanton and Aaron Judge to name a few), and Red Sox, who’ve slipped in the standings after recently sitting out big free agency, are also seen as legit Soto players. The exact dates for visits are a closely guarded secret, but the Yankees are believed scheduled for next Monday.
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