Shocking New Team Enters The Juan Soto Sweepstakes

Juan Soto trade talks between the New York Yankees and San Diego Padres appear to have hit a roadblock. Now another team has shocked industry insiders by entering the fray: the Toronto Blue Jays.

While the Yankees and Padres are far apart on talks, the Blue Jays are one of the teams talking to the Padres about a potential Soto trade, per @Ken_Rosenthal pic.twitter.com/FZfg1EdLXQ

— B/R Walk-Off (@BRWalkoff) December 1, 2023

According to MLB Insider Ken Rosenthal, along with fellow Athletic writers Dennis Lin and Brendan Kuty, "as of Friday afternoon, the Yankees and Padres were far apart on a deal", and the Blue Jays "are one of several teams talking to the Padres about Soto, sources said."

As noted, Soto would be an absolutely perfect fit for the Jays, who have been desperate for a star left-handed bat for years, as well as being in need of a corner outfielder after the departure of Kevin Kiermaier and Whit Merrifield this winter will leave them at least one OF short. 

The asking price for the lifetime .946 OPS superstar, however, seems pretty steep. The Padres are looking for a big, multi-player return including major-league-ready or near major-league-ready pitching, according to an official with one of the clubs interested. 

The names suggested by Rosenthal et al that would likely need to be included from the Blue Jays include top prospect Ricky Tiedemann, Bowden Francis and Alek Manoah.

With the Jays also said to be a Final Four bidder for Shohei Ohtani, the winter if off to a wild start north of the border. 

Photo: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports