Why Blue Jays must give Juan Soto $700 million contract to beat Yankees, Mets
The Toronto Blue Jays are at a critical juncture as the MLB offseason unfolds . The free agency of superstar Juan Soto represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to acquire one of baseball's most electrifying players. However, with fierce competition from deep-pocketed teams like the New York Yankees and New York Mets , securing Soto's talents will require an extraordinary commitment.
To outbid their rivals and transform their franchise, the Blue Jays must offer Soto a record-breaking $700 million contract . Such a move would catapult Toronto into championship contention and redefine the team's standing in the baseball world.
Juan Soto: A Rare and Generational Talent
At just 26 years old, Soto has already solidified himself as one of the game's elite. Over his seven-year career, he boasts a .285 batting average, 201 home runs, 592 RBIs , and a stellar .421 on-base percentage. His 2024 season was particularly remarkable, as he posted a .288 batting average, 41 home runs, and 109 RBIs while maintaining a slugging percentage of .538.
Soto's offensive numbers, especially his plate discipline, make him a generational talent. His ability to work counts, draw walks, and consistently get on base is unmatched. Soto's career on-base percentage is the highest among active players, underscoring his ability to impact games even when he's not swinging for the fences. Add to this his defensive improvements in the outfield, and you have a complete player who can anchor a franchise for years.
A franchise-defining opportunity
Historically, the Blue Jays have faced challenges in attracting top-tier free agents due to geographical and market factors. However, offering Soto a historic $700 million contract would eliminate any doubts about their commitment to winning. Toronto has already shown its willingness to invest in elite talent, and landing Soto would solidify the team as a serious contender in the American League.
A move of this magnitude would also help the Blue Jays compete directly with the Yankees and Mets in the AL East and beyond. By securing Soto, the Blue Jays would not only keep him out of the hands of their rivals but also make a statement that Toronto is a force to be reckoned with in the baseball world.
The Blue Jays already have a solid core in Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette, but adding Soto would take their offense to another level. His left-handed bat would balance a lineup that has leaned heavily on right-handed power, making it more dynamic and less predictable. With Soto in the mix, Guerrero and Bichette would also see more favorable pitches, creating a ripple effect throughout the batting order.
The $700 Million Proposition
Offering Juan Soto $700 million may seem like an astronomical figure, but it is justified by his age, performance, and market impact. A 12-year deal averaging just under $58.5 million annually would ensure the Blue Jays secure Soto throughout his prime. Unlike previous record contracts handed to older players, such as Bryce Harper or Shohei Ohtani, Soto's youth minimizes the risk of decline during the life of the deal. By the time this contract ends, Soto will still be younger than some players are when signing their first mega-deals.
Furthermore, Soto's marketability makes him worth every penny. His star power would instantly elevate the Blue Jays' global brand, boosting ticket sales, merchandise revenue, and television ratings. With Soto as their face of the franchise, the Blue Jays could attract more free agents and become a destination for top-tier talent in the future.
The Blue Jays are not the only team vying for Soto's services. The Yankees, who experienced Soto's brilliance during his stint with them, are desperate to retain him. Meanwhile, the Mets, under the aggressive leadership of owner Steve Cohen , are prepared to make a significant financial push to sign Soto. Both teams have proven they're willing to spend big, and with Soto's agent, Scott Boras, orchestrating the negotiations, a massive contract is inevitable.
For the Blue Jays, this means going all-in. Anything less than an unprecedented offer risks losing out to their New York rivals. A $700 million deal would not only reflect Soto's generational talent but also signal Toronto's intent to compete with the sport's biggest spenders. The Blue Jays must make a statement, both to Soto and to the league, that they are serious about building a perennial contender.
Juan Soto makes you a contender overnight
Defensively, Soto's continued growth as an outfielder would help solidify the Jays' outfield, giving them flexibility and reliability. His World Series experience from the Nationals' 2019 World Series run would also bring invaluable leadership to a team seeking its first title since 1993. In addition, he's played on a Yankees team that went to the World Series in 2024, and a San Diego Padres team that went to the NLCS in 2022.
Signing Juan Soto to a $700 million contract may seem bold, but it is a calculated risk worth taking. His age, performance, and generational talent make him the ideal player to transform the Blue Jays into championship contenders. While the financial commitment is enormous, the potential rewards—increased wins, greater fan engagement, and elevated market presence—far outweigh the risks.
The Blue Jays have an opportunity to make history and redefine their franchise. By offering Soto the largest contract in MLB history, they can secure one of the greatest players of this generation and set the stage for a new era of success in Toronto. For a team looking to compete with baseball's elite, Juan Soto is the ultimate investment.
